PITCH Program Pilot Study

Additional Authors

Jacek Smurzynski, Professor in emeritus, Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, College of Health Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Abstract

It is not a new idea to suggest that extremely high levels of noise can result in damage to one’s hearing, specifically by outer hair cell (OHC) loss within the inner ear. For students and staff who work with high-intensity sounds daily, such as musicians, these long-term effects are particularly relevant. The effects of this noise exposure might not be noticed instantly as traditional hearing tests do not assess the frequencies where damage has occurred. A typical audiogram tests a frequency range of 250Hz through 8000Hz. Evidence suggests that significant noise exposure can damage the extended high frequencies (EHF) such as 9000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Damage in these EHF regions can be considered a “hidden hearing loss” as it is not seen on an average audiogram and has been shown to impact speech perception in noise significantly. This pilot study was created with the intent to uncover evidence of extended high frequency damage among ETSU music department students and staff and determine if a hearing conservation program for the Music Department would be beneficial. Two groups have been recruited for the purposes of this study: a control group and a musician group. Both groups have been subjected to the same battery of tests which include: otoscopy, tympanometry, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs), and extended high frequency pure tone testing. Sound Level Meter (SLM) measurements will also be completed in various areas at the ETSU Music Department across different classes and instruments, where intense sound levels are a concern. This information will be useful in determining the risk for hearing damage and uncovering any existing hearing damage in ETSU Music Department students and faculty. Data collection is currently underway. Data analysis will be completed in early March.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:30 AM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Graduate Student - Doctoral

Faculty Mentor

Marcy Hite

Faculty Department

Audiology and Speech Language Pathology

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

PITCH Program Pilot Study

It is not a new idea to suggest that extremely high levels of noise can result in damage to one’s hearing, specifically by outer hair cell (OHC) loss within the inner ear. For students and staff who work with high-intensity sounds daily, such as musicians, these long-term effects are particularly relevant. The effects of this noise exposure might not be noticed instantly as traditional hearing tests do not assess the frequencies where damage has occurred. A typical audiogram tests a frequency range of 250Hz through 8000Hz. Evidence suggests that significant noise exposure can damage the extended high frequencies (EHF) such as 9000 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Damage in these EHF regions can be considered a “hidden hearing loss” as it is not seen on an average audiogram and has been shown to impact speech perception in noise significantly. This pilot study was created with the intent to uncover evidence of extended high frequency damage among ETSU music department students and staff and determine if a hearing conservation program for the Music Department would be beneficial. Two groups have been recruited for the purposes of this study: a control group and a musician group. Both groups have been subjected to the same battery of tests which include: otoscopy, tympanometry, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs), and extended high frequency pure tone testing. Sound Level Meter (SLM) measurements will also be completed in various areas at the ETSU Music Department across different classes and instruments, where intense sound levels are a concern. This information will be useful in determining the risk for hearing damage and uncovering any existing hearing damage in ETSU Music Department students and faculty. Data collection is currently underway. Data analysis will be completed in early March.