Abstract
1) Determine feasibility of smartphone-based mobile technology to measure noise exposure; and 2) measure noise exposure in exercise spin classes. Observational Study. The SoundMeter Pro app (Faber Acoustical, Salt Lake City, UT) was installed and calibrated on iPhone and iPod devices in an audiology chamber using an external sound level meter to within 2 dBA of accuracy. Recording devices were placed in the bike cupholders of participants attending spin classes in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 17) and used to measure sound level (A-weighted) and noise dosimetry during exercise according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) guidelines. The average length of exposure was 48.9 ± 1.2 (standard error of the mean) minutes per class. Maximum sound recorded among 17 random classes was 116.7 dBA, which was below the NIOSH instantaneous exposure guideline of 140 dBA. An average of 31.6 ± 3.8 minutes were spent at >100 dBA. This exceeds NIOSH recommendations of 15 minutes of exposure or less at 100 dBA per day. Average noise exposure for one 45-minute class was 8.95 ± 1.2 times the recommended noise exposure dose for an 8-hour workday. Preliminary data shows that randomly sampled cycling classes may have high noise levels with a potential for noise-induced hearing loss. Mobile dosimetry technology may enable users to self-monitor risk to their hearing and actively engage in noise protection measures. NA Laryngoscope, 127:1873-1877, 2017.
Highlights
Specialized indoor cycling or “spin” classes have emerged as a popular form of exercise.[1]
In terms of peak noise exposure, the maximum sound level recorded across all classes was 116.7 dBA
One study conducted by Torre and Howell of twelve 50-minute aerobic classes found an average of 87.1 dBA was employed and that mean distortion product otoacoustic emissions were lower immediately after class attendance.[10]
Summary
Specialized indoor cycling or “spin” classes have emerged as a popular form of exercise.[1] Thousands of participants attend classes at cycling chains nationwide, attracted by the purported health benefits of this style of exercise Such classes, regularly employ loud music played through speakers to set the pace and energy level for participants.[1,2]. From the Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston (S.S., E.D.K., M.R.N., S.R.B., K.W., I.J.M.S.-W., A.K.R.); Department of Occupational Therapy, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown (L.W.K.); and Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (T.M.N.O.), Massachusetts, U.S.A. Editor’s Note: This Manuscript was accepted for publication August 26, 2016. Presented at the Triological Society 119th Annual Meeting at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., May 20–21, 2016
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
