An analysis of the high school band director's exposure to sound pressure levels

Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing concern among music educators. The present study employed portable noise dosimeters to determine the levels of noise exposure experienced by high school band directors. In addition, sound reverberation times were measured in order to determine the appropriateness of acoustical conditions for the band rehearsal environment.; Sixty-three sound pressure measurements were taken from the rehearsals of ten high school band directors located in cities along the Front Range of Colorado. Single sample t tests were employed to compare the sound pressure levels of all band rehearsals to the industrial noise standards of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the American Conference of Governmental and Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Multiple regression analysis was completed in order to determine the effect of room environmental factors on the sound pressure levels and reverberation times.; While conducting high school ensembles, 60% of participating band directors experienced sound pressure levels at or exceeding 90 dBA. The sound pressure levels experienced by the band directors were within the OSHA standards for industrial noise exposure, however, the same sound pressure levels exceeded the noise exposure standards of ACGIH and NIOSH.; The mean noise dose for all band directors was 26.4% of the maximum allowable dose under the OSHA standard, 142.4% of the maximum allowable dose under the ACGIH standard, and 143.6% of the maximum allowable dose under the NIOSH standard. The mean projected eight-hour noise dose for all band directors was 69.2% of the maximum allowable dose under the OSHA standard, 366.2% of the maximum allowable dose under the ACGIH standard, and 369.3% of the maximum allowable dose under the NIOSH standard.; Multiple regression analysis revealed that the room volume (cubic ft.), the level of acoustic treatment, and the mean reverberation time predicted 77.8% of the variance in sound pressure levels in this study. The strength of the ACGIH and NIOSH standards is of great importance to the high school band director. Serious consideration should be given to the application of these standards for music rehearsal and performance situations.