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Health problems of musicians
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<h2 id="health-conditions">Health conditions</h2> <p>The most common injury type suffered by musicians is <a href="/facts/Repetitive_strain_injury/JfTq2AQ1">repetitive strain injury</a>. A survey of orchestral performers found that 64–76% had significant repetitive strain injuries.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> Other types of <a href="/facts/Musculoskeletal_disorder/JVY3NDUI">musculoskeletal disorders</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome/kkfl7ghv">carpal tunnel syndrome</a> and <a href="/facts/Focal_dystonia/U0sG3sjP">focal dystonia</a>, are also common.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:3" href="#fn:3"><sup>3</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:4" href="#fn:4"><sup>4</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:5" href="#fn:5"><sup>5</sup></a> </p><p>Non-musculoskeletal problems include: </p> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Contact_dermatitis/Xm6PEgcw">contact dermatitis</a>,</li> <li>hearing problems <a href="/facts/Occupational_hearing_loss/vNGRlv3l">due to exposure to loud music</a>, such as <a href="/facts/Tinnitus/QNjx4EJp">tinnitus</a>, <a href="/facts/Hearing_loss/7C78RpMP">hearing loss</a>, <a href="/facts/Hyperacusis/8wJDHDmJ">hyperacusis</a> and <a href="/facts/Diplacusis/V1yL4RKn">diplacusis</a>,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:6" href="#fn:6"><sup>6</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:7" href="#fn:7"><sup>7</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:8" href="#fn:8"><sup>8</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:9" href="#fn:9"><sup>9</sup></a></li> <li>respiratory disorders or <a href="/facts/Pneumothorax/oaCPSynh">pneumothorax</a>,</li> <li>increased intraocular pressure,</li> <li><a href="/facts/Gastroesophageal_reflux_disease/8YhncnDz">gastroesophageal reflux disease</a>, and</li> <li>psychological issues such as <a href="/facts/Performance_anxiety/GRLKLIct">performance anxiety</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:10" href="#fn:10"><sup>10</sup></a></li></ul> <p>They are also at an increased risk of having problems with the <a href="/facts/Stomatognathic_system/HvBb0uws">stomatognathic system</a>, in particular the mouth and teeth, which may in some cases lead to permanent injuries that prevent the musicians from playing.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:11" href="#fn:11"><sup>11</sup></a> </p><p>There is little consistency across the hearing healthcare sector with respect to the care of musicians' hearing and the provision of hearing protection.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a> However, the American Academy of Audiology has published a consensus document regarding best practices for hearing loss prevention with musicians.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> </p><p>Playing a brass or woodwind instrument puts the musician at greater risk of <a href="/facts/Inguinal_hernia/IQXUXErj">inguinal hernia</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> Woodwind instrumentalists, in rare cases, suffer a condition known as <i><a href="/facts/Hypersensitivity_pneumonitis/esRClIqB">hypersensitivity pneumonitis</a></i>, also referred to as <i>saxophone lung</i>, caused by <i><a href="/facts/Exophiala/JyAxWtnf">Exophiala</a></i> infection. It is held that this can occur if instruments are not cleaned properly.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a> </p><p>The risks for <a href="/facts/Disc_jockey/5YYYRqPB">disc jockeys</a> working in nightclubs with <a href="/facts/Loud_music/saq0Y5AS">loud music</a> include <a href="/facts/Noise-induced_hearing_loss/3fvhFuDv">noise-induced hearing loss</a> and <a href="/facts/Tinnitus/QNjx4EJp">tinnitus</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> Nightclubs constantly exceed safe levels of noise exposure, with average sound levels ranging from 93.2 to 109.7 dB.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a> Constant music exposure creates temporary and permanent auditory dysfunction for professional disk jockeys, with average levels at 96 dB, which is above the level at which <a href="/facts/Hearing_protection_device/otnkDUhz">ear protection</a> is mandatory for industry. Three-quarters of disk jockeys have tinnitus<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> and are at risk of <a href="/facts/Tenosynovitis/Mwdl34ny">tenosynovitis</a> in the wrists and other limbs. Tenosynovitis results from staying in the same position over multiple gigs for scratching motion and cueing; this would be related to a <a href="/facts/Repetitive_strain_injury/JfTq2AQ1">repetitive strain injury</a>.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> Gigs can last 4–5 hours in <a href="/facts/Nightlife/hSWbTMjx">nightlife</a> and the <a href="/facts/Hospitality_industry/gtNEIdFI">hospitality industry</a>; as a result there are potential <a href="/facts/Complications_of_prolonged_standing/2DwDFhgQ">complications of prolonged standing</a> which include slouching, varicose veins, cardiovascular disorders, joint compression, and muscle fatigue.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a> It is also common for other staff to experience these, such as bartenders and security staff. </p><p>The <a href="/facts/World_Health_Organization/YNN3bgug">World Health Organization</a> launched the Make Listening Safe initiative as part of the celebration of <a href="/facts/World_Hearing_Day/PwX8rr0s">World Hearing Day</a> on 3 March 2015.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a> WHO reviewed existing noise regulations for various entertainment sites – including clubs, bars, concert venues, and sporting arenas and released a global Standard for Safe Listening Venues and Events as part of World Hearing Day 2022. </p> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><a href="/facts/Performing_arts_medicine/Wr2BUl4g">Performing arts medicine</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Safe-in-Sound_Award/X51Eor5l">Safe-In-Sound Award</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Safe_listening/U31dhgco">Safe listening</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Hyperacusis/8wJDHDmJ">Hyperacusis</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/Diplacusis/V1yL4RKn">Diplacusis</a></li> <li><a href="/facts/2023_concert_abuse_spate/w5RhdSvG">2023 concert abuse spate</a></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li>Okoshi, Kae; Minami, Taro; Masahiro, Kikuchi; Tomizawa, Yasuko (2017). <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/tjem/243/1/243_49/_article">"Musical Instrument-Associated Health Issues and Their Management"</a>. <i>The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine</i>. 243 (1): 49–56. <a href="/facts/Doi_(identifier)/muM9Etpq">doi</a>:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1620%2Ftjem.243.49">10.1620/tjem.243.49</a>. <a href="/facts/PMID_(identifier)/JlHAvMHt">PMID</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28931767">28931767</a>. Retrieved 31 December 2020.</li> <li><a href="/facts/National_Association_of_Schools_of_Music/xdG7mwNK">National Association of Schools of Music</a> (NASM) and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) Advisories on Hearing Health. <a href="https://nasm.arts-accredit.org/publications/brochures-advisories/nasm-pama-hearing-health/">[1]</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.makelisteningsafecampaign.com/">Make Listening Safe Campaign UK</a></li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>Hatheway, Melissa; Chesky, Kris (December 2013). "Epidemiology of health concerns among collegiate student musicians participating in marching band". Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 28 (4): 242–251. ISSN 0885-1158. PMID 24337037. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24337037" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24337037</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Mitchell T (2010). Longyear S (ed.). "A painful melody: repetitive strain injury among musicians" (PDF). Pittsburg State University. <a href="http://www.working-well.org/articles/pdf/Musicians.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.working-well.org/articles/pdf/Musicians.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>Heinan M (April 2008). "A review of the unique injuries sustained by musicians". JAAPA. 21 (4): 45–6, 48, 50 passim. doi:10.1097/01720610-200804000-00015. PMID 18468369. S2CID 36408486. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>Blanco-Piñeiro, Patricia; Díaz-Pereira, M. Pino; Martínez, Aurora (2017). "Musicians, postural quality and musculoskeletal health: A literature's review". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 21 (1): 157–172. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.06.018. ISSN 1532-9283. PMID 28167172. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28167172" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28167172</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>Wallace, Eric; Klinge, Derek; Chesky, Kris (June 2016). "Musculoskeletal Pain in Trombonists: Results from the UNT Trombone Health Survey". Medical Problems of Performing Artists. 31 (2): 87–95. doi:10.21091/mppa.2016.2016. ISSN 0885-1158. PMID 27281379. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281379" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27281379</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>"Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20201022093422/https://www.audiology.org/sites/default/files/publications/resources/Musicians%20Consensus%20Doc_Final_1.23.20.pdf" target="_blank">https://web.archive.org/web/20201022093422/https://www.audiology.org/sites/default/files/publications/resources/Musicians%20Consensus%20Doc_Final_1.23.20.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>Kardous CA, Themann CL, Morata TC, Reynolds J, Afanuh S (2015). "Workplace Solutions: Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders among Musicians" (PDF). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved 12 July 2016. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2015-184/pdfs/2015-184.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2015-184/pdfs/2015-184.pdf</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Behar A, Chasin M, Mosher S, Abdoli-Eramaki M, Russo FA (2018). "Noise exposure and hearing loss in classical orchestra musicians: A five-year follow-up". Noise & Health. 20 (93): 42–46. doi:10.4103/nah.NAH_39_17 (inactive 1 November 2024). PMC 5926315. PMID 29676294.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link) <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926315" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5926315</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Di Stadio, Arianna; Dipietro, Laura; Ricci, Giampietro; Della Volpe, Antonio; Minni, Antonio; Greco, Antonio; de Vincentiis, Marco; Ralli, Massimo (2018). "Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, Hyperacusis, and Diplacusis in Professional Musicians: A Systematic Review". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15 (10): 2120. doi:10.3390/ijerph15102120. ISSN 1660-4601. PMC 6209930. PMID 30261653. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209930" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209930</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>Heinan M (April 2008). "A review of the unique injuries sustained by musicians". JAAPA. 21 (4): 45–6, 48, 50 passim. doi:10.1097/01720610-200804000-00015. PMID 18468369. S2CID 36408486. <a href="/wiki/Doi_(identifier)" target="_blank">/wiki/Doi_(identifier)</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>Rodríguez-Lozano FJ, Sáez-Yuguero MR, Bermejo-Fenoll A (September 2011). "Orofacial problems in musicians: a review of the literature". 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