Earplug Usage in Preservice Music Teachers

Abstract

In the past 10 years, educating university musicians about hearing protection for long-term career stability and success has become more common, as has the adoption of hearing conservation programs. The purpose of this study was to explore preservice music teachers’ self-reported use of earplugs. Undergraduate preservice teachers ( N = 129) were surveyed and results revealed that 21% ( n = 27) wore earplugs sometimes while practicing, rehearsing, performing, or teaching. While participants recognized that noise-induced hearing loss was preventable ( n = 124, 96%), 88% were seldom or sometimes concerned about their own hearing ( M = 2.39, SD = 1.05). Most participants believed that surgery and hearing aids were ways to correct noise-induced hearing loss ( n = 100, 78%). However, contrary to the preservice teachers’ beliefs, no viable correction is currently available for noise-induced hearing loss. Implications for further education are discussed.