Relación entre uso de protectores auditivos con filtro de frecuencia y satisfacción auditiva musical

Abstract

Introduction: exposure to high levels of sound pressure by individuals involved in music can lead to auditory conditions in the medium and long term, such as tinnitus and hearing loss. There is generally limited use of hearing protection in this population due to discomfort and perceived decrease in musical performance. While all hearing protectors offer some degree of sound reduction, this reduction may vary across different sound frequencies. The use of hearing protection that differentiates sound frequencies can offer increased auditory comfort when playing a musical instrument, potentially leading to greater acceptance of their use and consequently more effective protection and reduced harm. Objective: to measure musical auditory satisfaction by comparing the use of two types of hearing protection – one standard (conventional attenuation) and another with differentiated attenuation (with frequency filter). Materials and Methods: thirty subjects were recruited through convenience sampling from musical groups based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. They completed a survey on demographic data and auditory symptoms. Each subject used both types of hearing protection during rehearsals or performances and then completed a 10-question survey on musical auditory satisfaction adapted to the Spanish language. Results: statistical comparisons were made on the results obtained, showing significant differences in the total score of the musical auditory satisfaction survey, as well as for each individual question. Conclusion: Hearing protectors with differentiated attenuation provide greater comfort and promote more consistent adherence to hearing protection. These protectors mimic the natural attenuation of the outer ear, enhancing auditory quality without compromising sound fidelity. Conducting further studies is recommended to assess their long-term effectiveness.