Introduction

Throughout their academic and professional careers, orchestral musicians are exposed to environments that exhibit varying levels of sound pressure, whether it be through individual work with their instrument or exposure to the sound emanating from the orchestral ensemble in which they are incorporated. Exposure to high sound levels can be potentially damaging to the instrumentalist's hearing health.

Objectives

Frame the risk and potential consequences associated with exposure to noise by professional orchestra musicians considering the most recent research; contextualize preventive measures described in the literature; and present a summary of preventive measures to be proposed to employers, musical teaching establishments and professional musicians.

Methods

Integrative literature review, using the Population, Exposure and Outcome strategy. The literature search was carried out in b-on platform and on the website of “Revista Portuguesa de Saúde Ocupacional Online”, with 20 articles being selected after applying the criteria defined in accordance with the objective of the present review, for a research period between 2013 and 2023.

Results

The level of daily exposure to noise by an orchestra musician can vary between 79 dB(A) and 111 dB(A), whether during individual daily practice of the instrument, rehearsals, or live concerts. The characteristics of the musical instrument played by the musician can increase the risk of consequences associated with noise, as well as variables associated with the musical piece worked on and the place where the musician will perform. Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the consequences most cited in the literature. Constructive/engineering, organizational and individual protection measures have been applied, which present advantages but also some potential disadvantages to the performance of orchestra musicians.

Conclusion

It is important that occupational health professionals initiate early intervention with orchestra musicians and collaborate with cultural institutions to implement individual and collective protection measures that are appropriate to the level of exposure to noise by instrumentalists.

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