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Noise induced hearing loss in dance music disc jockeys and an examination of sound levels in nightclubs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Adam Bray ,
Marcin Szymański  and
Robert Mills
Adam Bray
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Marcin Szymański
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Robert Mills
Affiliation:
Otolaryngology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract

Noise exposure, hearing loss and associated otological symptoms have been studied in a group of 23 disc jockeys using a questionnaire and pure tone audiometry. The level of noise exposure in the venues where they work has also been studied using Ametek Mk-3 audio dosimeters. Three members of the study group showed clear evidence of noise-induced hearing losson audiometry, 70 per cent reported temporary threshold shift after sessions and 74 per cent reported tinnitus. Sound levels of up to 108 dB(A) were recorded in the nightclubs. The average level for a typical session was 96 dB(A) which is above the level at which the provision of ear protection is mandatory for employers in industry. It can be concluded that DJs are at substantial risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss and noise exposure in nightclubs frequently exceeds safe levels.

Keywords

Hearing LossNoise OccupationalMusic
Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 118 , Issue 2 , February 2004 , pp. 123 - 128
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2004

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