Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Speech Pathology and Audiology BA

Department

Speech and Hearing Sciences

First Advisor

Sangamanatha Ankmnal Veeranna, Ph.D.

Advisor Department

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Abstract

Marching band participants are exposed to hazardous noise levels, and they are at risk of developing hearing loss. In this study, the impact of marching band noise on the hearing mechanism of marching band students was examined. Participants who were not in the marching band and were not exposed to noise were used as controls. Detailed case history and noise exposure history were collected using a noise exposure questionnaire (NEQ). The pure tone audiometry test was conducted to examine their hearing, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were recorded to examine the inner ear function, and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were recorded to assess the neural integrity. The results of this study showed that individuals in the marching band had more exposure to hazardous noises than non-marching band participants, making them more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Furthermore, the case history revealed that 2/3 of marching band participants have little education on NIHL making them less likely to utilize hearing protection during rehearsals or performances. Data analysis revealed that marching band participants had elevated hearing thresholds, decreased DPOAEs, and a shallower slope of ABR growth compared to non-marching band participants. These results suggest that individuals in the marching band are more susceptible to sustaining damage to their hearing. To prevent further hearing damage to marching band students, marching band programs should consider providing musician-grade earplugs and instituting hearing conservation programs.

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