Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

9-2019

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Au.D.

Program

Audiology

Advisor

Barbara E. Weinstein

Subject Categories

Speech Pathology and Audiology

Keywords

Noise Induced Hearing Loss, Music Induced Hearing Loss, Patient Centered Care, Musicians, Audiology, Toolkit

Abstract

The toolkit for audiologists working with musicians includes a set of materials for use in a musician centered audiology practice. Given the rise in streaming of music by individuals of all ages and the recognition of susceptibility of musicians to hearing loss, the prevalence of hearing loss is on the rise necessitating the need for materials and protocols to better protect, educate, and treat music lovers of all ages who may be prone to hearing loss. Music induced hearing loss typically falls under the category of recreational noise exposure, a subset of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Musicians are the most susceptible given their prolonged exposure to a variety of instruments during rehearsal and performance. Musicians are also at an increased risk for hearing loss comorbidities such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, recruitment, and pitch distortion, all of which can be detrimental to the musician’s ability to enjoy and perform music (Santucci, 2009).

Musicians with hearing loss are a particularly difficult group to treat, as they crave high fidelity sound input. The materials which comprise this toolkit were developed to engage and educate musicians about hearing conservation, hearing health, technology, and accessibility options available to them. The musician focused materials were developed to build trust in the patient-audiologist relationship through health education and patient centered care.

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