A study about live performance in the context of sound intensity and hearing impairments

Noise related hearing loss is considered one of the most common occupational disorders in the world. The concept of noise is commonly defined as unwanted sound or signals. Although the appreciation or perception of music differs between people, unwanted or compulsory listening is perceived as noise. Nonetheless appreciated music can also be perceived as noise after a session of time as a result of withstanding music during a long period of time with high volume. According to NIOSH and OSHA there is a certain standard regarding sound levels that could damage the human ear. If musicians working with live music at venues were to exceed the recommended volume standard by NIOSH and OSHA it could increases their likelihood of potential hearing loss. This thesis was conducted to examine the sound intensity and the effect that sound levels have on the auditory system among waiters and musicians who endure high volumes under a long period of time whilst working on venues where live music is performed. During live performance measurements were taken at 4 different venues in 3 different locations with in the venues to the determine the intensity of the noise exposure. Individuals who were exposed to high sound intensities were identified and audiometry tests were conducted at Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Education and Research Hospital. The study group consisted of musicians and waiters (N = 29) who were regularly exposed to high sound intensities (noise). The control group consisted of hospital technicians and audiometrist doctors and nurses (N = 20) who rarely were exposed to high sound intensities. The study group who were exposed to high sound intensities (N = 47) were tested during a 6 month period with pre-test and post-test to investigate whether the sound exposure had an effect on the auditory system. The data that was obtained were processed through SPSS 18.0 package program and the analysis was executed through this program. Two independent t-tests were used to compare the hearing tests of the subjects exposed to high sound intensities and the control group. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to execute the relational analysis, and t-tests were used for the comparative analysis. The Excel program was used to graph the sampled data. The results of the study showed a significant difference within 4 and 8 kHz between the control group and the group that was exposed to high sound intensities. It was concluded that noise-related hearing loss that started at 4 kHz did not spread to 2 kHz. Regarding the test subjects who were exposed to high sound intensities it was concluded that a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test in the left ear at 2.4 and 8 kHz existed. There was no statistically significant difference in the right ear. It was concluded that no significant relationship existed at any frequencies within the control group during the period of time. Key Words: Live performance, sound intensity, noise induced hearing loss, noise control, hearing test