Hearing Loss in Singers. (23rd August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hofmann, Erik; Hu, Amanda; Davis, John; Sataloff, Robert T.
• Is Part Of: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery. Volume 149(2013)Supplement 2
• Page Start: P227
• Page End: P228
• Publication Date: 2013-08-23
• Subjects: Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0194599813496044a260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0194-5998

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Singers need good hearing; however, they are exposed to loud noises during their musical activities. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Describe the incidence and type of hearing loss in singers, and 2) Identify risk factors associated with hearing loss in singers. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of singers who had had an audiogram during the past three years. Billing records identified patients who had videostroboscopy and audiogram at the same visit. Charts were then reviewed to identify singers. A singer was defined as anyone who self‐identified as a singer (professional or avocational). Demographic data, clinical factors, and audiograms were recorded. Outcome measurements included the presence of hearing loss, type of hearing loss, and pure tone average (PTA). Results: Out of 125 singers (43.8 ± 19.0 years, 35.2% male), 21 (16.8%) had hearing loss with a mean left PTA of 28.5 ± 10.4 dB and right PTA of 29.3 ± 6.5 dB. If mild hearing loss is included, the number increases to 32 (42.4%). Twenty (95.2%) had sensorineural hearing loss and 18 (85.7%) had bilateral hearing loss. Older age ( P = 0.00) and male gender ( P = 0.00) were associated with hearing loss in singers. There were no associations with voice type or genre of music. Conclusions: The incidence of hearing loss in singers is 16.8%. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is most common. This is one of the few studies to examine hearing loss in singers. Data collection is ongoing to find age and gender matched controls.