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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1161-639X
Date of Graduation
5-11-2023
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Music (MM)
Department
School of Music
Second Advisor
Melissa Garber
Third Advisor
Alice Hammel
Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive research study was to investigate the self-reported contexts and effects of concert band noise exposure on the high school band director using an interactive biopsychosocial framework. Primary data for this inquiry were collected from a self- reporting web-based survey with 167 participants who had at least three years of experience teaching in the high school band setting. The survey was divided into five categories which included demographics, band program size and weekly class schedule, design of the main work environment, perceptions of their hearing abilities, and hearing protection & preventative measures. Results indicated that 60% of the participants felt that their exposure to concert bands contributed to their potential hearing loss. Of the participants, 62% of participants had never worn ear protection when teaching in the concert band setting.
Based on the results of this study, some of the implications for professional practice include the call for high school band directors to strongly consider wearing active hearing protection while teaching in the concert band setting as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is not reversible. High school band directors should also advocate for modifications in their teaching schedules to give their hearing mechanisms a rest. Band directors should also consider measuring the sound of their teaching environment using a reliable instrument to see if they are eligible for a hearing conservation program.
