Parameters influencing auditory fatigue among professionals working in the amplified music sector: noise exposure and individual factors

Context: Professionals of the music sector are frequently exposed to sound levels above 100dB(A). Hearing disorders are highly prevalent in these workers. Assessment of auditory fatigue could help identify deleterious situations for hearing, and deploy preventive measures before permanent losses occur. However, apart from the daily dose of noise, little is known about the factors that could mitigate auditory fatigue during occupational exposure.<br/>
Objective: Determination of the noise exposure parameters and individual characteristics that have a strong influence on auditory fatigue during complex noise exposure. <br/>
Design: Auditory fatigue was measured by calculating the variation, during a typical workday, of the audiometric threshold and the acoustic reflex threshold. Noise exposure was monitored continuously during the workday. Information on the volunteers was obtained through a questionnaire.<br/>
Study sample: 67 adult volunteers were included in the protocol, including 24 non-exposed controls. Workdays of the exposed volunteers included at least one concert.<br/>
Results: Auditory fatigue was correlated with sound energy and its temporal distribution. Hearing thresholds at rest also had an impact on auditory fatigue.<br/>
Conclusion: At constant energy, stable noise levels tend to increase fatigue, while noise instability during the day allows periods of partial recovery, even if the "quiet" periods are short.