Toward Music-Related Sound Control and Hearing Conservation in the Leisure Soundscape

Abstract

Music-Induced Hearing Loss (MIHL) affects both musicians and participants of leisure soundscapes. Noise Risk Assessment and Hearing Conservation Program have been practised in the manufacturing and construction industries; however, these are rarely implemented in Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) that are also exposed to excessive sound levels. This paper includes an example from the Rainforest World Music Festival, Malaysia where data were collected from 2015 to 2017, through sound pressure level (SPL) measurements, semi-structured interviews (60 participants) and a survey (1,194 respondents). Despite SPL measurements showing levels exceeding the recommended noise limit, the study reported a majority of 68% perceived the loudness of the music festival as "perfect" whilst 21% as "loud but acceptable". In leisure soundscapes, sounds are featured aural products in demand and encapsulated in cultural meanings with voluntary listening behaviours. Thus, some of the existing guidelines in occupational noise exposure may not be transferable. As recommendations, it is essential for an extensive study on the development of a focused framework to incorporate music-related sound control and hearing conservation in reducing the risk of MIHL while preserving the social-cultural value, creativity in arts and rewards in the hearing experience of a leisure soundscape.