Music exposure and hearing disorders: An overview

Abstract

It has been generally accepted that excessive exposure to loud music causes various hearing symptoms (e.g. tinnitus) and consequently leads to a risk of permanent hearing damage, known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Such potential risk of NIHL due to loud music exposure has been widely investigated in musicians and people working in music venues. With advancements in sound technology and rapid developments in the music industry, increasing numbers of people, particularly adolescents and young adults, are exposing themselves to music on a voluntary basis at potentially harmful levels, and over a substantial period of time, which can also cause NIHL. However, because of insufficient audiometric evidence of hearing loss caused purely by music exposure, there is still disagreement and speculation about the risk of hearing loss from music exposure alone. Many studies have suggested using advanced audiological measurements as more sensitive and efficient tools to monitor hearing status as early indicators of cochlear dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to provide further insight into the potential risk of hearing loss caused by exposure to loud music, and thus contribute to further raising awareness of music induced hearing loss.

Daily music exposure dose and hearing problems using personal listening devices in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review

“…Music-induced hearing loss has been shown primarily in professional musicians, and in people working in music venues (Zhao et al, 2010). However, there is substantial evidence in the literature showing an increasing potential risk of music-induced hearing loss in the general public, particularly among adolescents and young adults when they listen to music using PLDs (Serra et al, 2005, Kepper et al, 2009, Mariola and Adrian, 2012.…”

The Highs and Lows of Audiophiles.

“…Usage of headphones ( Figure 9) cause 110dB hearing loss while ear plugs/ear buds (Figure 7,8 ) nearly 120dB. As per Thumb rule (60/60 rule), use mp3 players at levels up to 60% of maximum volume for total of 60min/day (3,5) . Loud music through hearing devices like ear plugs cause more hearing loss as compared to headphones.…”

“…The latest gadgets in market have an inbuilt mechanism in the sound system, safe precautionary level for volume beyond which volumes cannot be raised as it may harm the hearing. And this volume safe limits inbuilt in the devices which is one of the precautionary measure taken by the manufacturers to avoid certain amount of hearing loss among the population (3,6,13) . On comparing threshold shift among sample sizechange in threshold shift of hearing were noted among 252 of them.…”

“…With the introduction of Walkman in 1979, ear devices got truly evolved into something that all music fans were thirsting for, as -music-on-the-go‖ became the standard. Then on, the next generation of hearing devices, ear plugs, ear buds and wireless headphones developed which eventually ushered in today's selection of high fidelity portable listening devices (3,8,11,15).…”

“…There goes a common saying-"its music to my ears" meaning music is pleasant to listen to. Ancient Greek and Indian philosophers defined music as -tones ordered horizontally as melodies and vertically as harmonies‖ (1,3,7) . Music not only brings people together but can easily transcend any language barrier, and makes us close to ourselves with its essence.…”