Sound exposure and the hearing of musicians

Since the implementation and enforcement of the European Union Physical Agents Directive (Noise) the Acoustics Group has collaborated with the Royal Academy of Music. Over the past eight years more than 2500 students have had their hearing tested and all instrument groups have undergone dosimetry to establish typical sound dose over a working day. The paper will compare sound levels, working hours and audiometry health surveillance results for a selection of the students that demonstrate some unusual results. We know that these highly talented artists must be able to practice, rehearse, and perform safely. Our job as acousticians is to ensure that they are able to.