First Advisor

Meinke, Deanna K.

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology

Document Type

Capstone

Date Created

5-2019

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, CSD Student Work

Abstract

The present study determines the prevalence of audiometric notched configurations suggestive of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among students and faculty at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) School of Music. The prevalence of NIHL was determined by analyzing the results of 233 hearing evaluations that were administered during Fall semester music student orientation. High-frequency notches were characterized by evaluating the hearing thresholds at 3, 4, or 6 kHz being 10 dB or worse than the thresholds at 2 and 8 kHz, as defined by Wilson and McArdle, (2013). The prevalence of high-frequency audiometric notches was examined in terms of notch depth, notch frequency, and ear symmetry and how such prevalence varied as a function of sex and instrument type. Results indicated that an overall occurrence of notched high-frequency hearing loss was 56.7% (n = 132). Unilateral notches (65.9%) were more common than bilateral notches (34.1%), and notches occurred most frequently at 6 kHz amongst males. Vocalists (22.7%, n = 30) and woodwind instrument musicians (20.5%, n = 27) had the highest prevalence of notches. This study supports the need to implement a comprehensive hearing loss prevention program at the UNC School of Music and supports the continued provision of hi-fidelity hearing protection to incoming freshman students.

Extent

69 pages

Local Identifiers

MaasCapstone19.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

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