An Evaluation of Musician Earplugs with College Music Students

A new study published in the International Journal of Audiology (Volume 48, Issue 9, September 2009, pp. 661- 670;DOI: 10.1080/14992020903019320) evaluated many different aspects of musicians' earplugs as reported by college student musicians, and has implications for the marketing and recommendations for musicians' earplugs.

The abstract is provided here. For a copy of the full study or a subscription to the journal, please visit www.informaworld.com/

Authors: Kris Chesky, Texas Center for Music & Medicine, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA;Marla Pair, Speech and Hearing Department, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA ;Eri Yoshimura, Texas Center for Music & Medicine, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA;Scott Landford, Speech and Hearing Department, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA

Abstract: Musician earplugs are marketed and recommended for use in music settings but no studies have evaluated these products with musicians. This study evaluated the influences of earplugs on college students' perception and abilities to communicate in a musical environment, attitudes of earplugs, comfort over time, and the influence of earplugs on ability to play music. College students (N = 323) were provided with earplugs for use during and following an experimental condition designed to mimic a night club. Results underline the challenges of earplugs in environments that are both loud and require verbal interaction. Responses to comfort questions were variable and suggest a multi-factorial set of influences that may include intrinsic variables. Despite these limitations, subjects in this study generally liked the earplugs and believed that they are valuable. However, the earplugs were not viewed favorably by musicians willing to use the earplugs while playing music. This study supports the view that earplugs are subject to many problems and should be considered as a last resort.

Editor's note: Lead author Kris Chesky recently presented an AudiologyOnline course, Hearing Loss Prevention in Schools of Music & Music Instruction as part of our 2009 Noise Induced Hearing Loss seminar series. For more information or to register, click here: /audiology-ceus/course/hearing-loss-prevention-in-schools-14168.