Do Drumline Drummers Risk Hearing Damage?

Overview

Objectives/Goals I propose that if members of a drumline practice in an enclosed area without ear protection, then individual drumline members are put at a high risk of hearing damage. Methods/Materials Materials: decibel meter, measuring tape, drumline (trained drummers playing specified drumline instruments.) Methods: assemble drumline in standard formation inside an enclosed room. Observe and record multiple testings of the "average" and "maximum" decibel levels while drumline is playing. Repeat these observations with various decibel meter placement. Results The results of this experiment indicate that the decibel levels experienced during drumline practice are an average of 102 decibels with a maximum level of 107 decibels. Conclusions/Discussion Given the amount of practice time, and the measured decibel levels, the levels of sound intensity are well above safety recommendations of the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Ear protection is necessary to reduce the risk of hearing damage. All members of the La Colina Drumline are now wearing daily ear protection.

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Physics & Astronomy · Entry J1610

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