Published by Shuster, Benjamin; Hertzano, Ronna MD, PhD
The World Health Organization currently estimates that more than one billion young adults are at risk of developing permanent hearing loss due to recreational noise exposure.1 Further complicating the matter, studies continue to demonstrate that functionally significant hearing damage precedes permanent and clinically detectable changes in auditory thresholds.2 Since no therapeutics are available to prevent or treat noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), greater preemptive measures must be taken to reduce the incidence of NIHL.
Group fitness classes, particularly high-intensity exercise classes, which have dramatically risen in popularity in recent years, are sources of potentially unsafe noise that may affect millions of individuals. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that a one-hour noise exposure, the typical exposure duration of group fitness classes, not exceed 94 dBA.3 However, these recommendations are often not adhered to.
Justification for potentially unsafe music levels arises from the perceived positive impact on exercise intensity and motivation. While this relationship may hold some truth, other intrinsic factors like the tempo of the music, or even just the addition of music alone, are equally as important in optimizing exercise.4 Moreover, previous studies demonstrate that a significant portion of group fitness class participants finds current music levels stressful.5....
Read the full article on The Hearing Journal here.
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