PURPOSE: To evaluate the exposition to loud music, the perception of its intensity and its impact in the hearing of integrants of a military band. METHODS: Sound pressure levels (SPL) at the place where the band rehearsed were measured, a questionnaire was applied, and an audiological assessment was carried out (acoustic immittance measures and pure-tone audiometry). The participants were 50 musicians of the military band of the Paraná (Brazil) army, all male, with mean age of 34.9 years and mean exposure duration of 14.2 years. RESULTS: Forty two percent of the participants considered that the sound pressure levels at rehearsals are very high; 76% reported to have experienced tinnitus and 54% had had hearing difficulties; 58% consider that intense music might harm hearing abilities; 32% had hearing loss. The sound pressure levels during rehearsals varied between 90.1 and 110.3 dB(A). CONCLUSION: The studied musicians were exposed daily to high sound pressure levels, which might cause health problems, such as tinnitus and hearing loss. Although the subjects considered the intensity of music as loud, they did not take prevention measures during rehearsals.
Hearing; Noise effects; Noise-induced hearing loss; Music; Noise, occupational
