Sound Exposure of Healthcare Professionals Working with a University Marching Band.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Descriptive observational study of noise exposure in a single small cohort.
PubMed 29309026 · doi:10.3766/jaaa.17018
What was done
Eight athletic trainers (ATs) working with a large university marching band wore Etymotic ER-200D noise dosimeters during outdoor rehearsals, indoor field house rehearsals, and outdoor performances across a season. One AT working in a performing arts medicine clinic also wore a dosimeter for comparison. Dosimeters recorded equivalent continuous sound levels (dBA), duration, and daily dose percentages using NIOSH criteria (85 dBA threshold, 3 dBA exchange rate). Standardized dose intensities across venues were analyzed using analysis of variance.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values for sound levels (dBA), exposure durations, or dose percentages. It reports that ATs experienced sound pressure levels and dose percentages greatly exceeding NIOSH daily limits, with higher sound levels recorded in performance venues compared with rehearsal venues due to additional crowd noise and public address systems.
Why it matters
This study shows that occupational noise risks associated with marching bands extend to on-site healthcare personnel and support staff. It highlights the need for hearing conservation programs and ear protection for sideline athletic trainers.
Limits
Small sample size (eight athletic trainers) from a single university marching band. No numerical exposure data or statistical values are reported in the abstract. Clinical hearing outcomes or permanent audiometric changes were not measured.
Cited by
- supports According to the 3-decibel exchange rate, safe continuous sound exposure duration halves for every 3 dB increase in volume, allowing 8 hours at 80 dB, 4 hours at 83 dB, and 30 minutes at 92 dB.