Occupational Noise Exposure and Noise Hearing Loss of Processional Band Musicians, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok

Abstract

Processional music bands are a Thai culture that is commonly found at various festivals. However, musicians are at risk of exposure to noises and hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate occupational noise exposure levels, hearing symptoms, and hearing performance among processional musicians, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok. This study was an assessment of the occupational noise and hearing of 36 musicians in three music bands. The tools used include an interview form, a sound level meter, a noise dosimeter and an audiometer. The descriptive statistics were used, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. One-way ANOVA were used to compare noise levels between three bands. The results found that the two-hour average noise exposure level (LAeq) in the musicians’ working area, measured by area noise monitoring, ranged from 101.53 to 114.75 dB(A), and the maximum sound level (Lmax) was 124.39 dB(A). Testing of sound levels across the three music bands showed no significant differences. Most musicians (55.56 percent) reported experiencing reduced hearing, with the most frequently reported effect being decreased concentration (86.11%). The audiogram test indicated that 80.6% of the musicians had hearing impairment at high frequencies, and 72.42% had bilateral hearing impairment. In conclusion, the musicians were exposed to noises that exceeded the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare’s announced and found a high of hearing impairment, that should be monitored and protected from loud noise, such as by wearing earplugs or not using headphones during breaks in music practice.