Do Earplugs Alter the Intensity or Dynamic Range of Music?

Presented at the 2018 Scientific and Technology Meeting of the American Auditory Society.
Rationale and Professional Relevance: Some musicians may play the music louder or alter the dynamic range (DR) of music while using earplugs thus reducing the hearing protection or the music quality. In addition, cultural differences in attitudes towards loudness may lead to differences in the intensity of music played by musicians. Purpose: To investigate the effect of the use of two different types of earplugs on the loudness and DR of music played by musicians of Caucasian and Filipino origins. Methods: Fifteen musicians of Caucasian origin and 21 of Filipino origin played music in five different conditions: Trial one of conventional and musicians' earplugs, no earplug, and trial two of conventional and musicians earplugs. Maximum, minimum, average (LAVG) and peak levels were recorded using a dosimeter while playing music in each condition. The DR was derived from these values. Analyses: Mixed ANOVA (Cultural origin and Gender as non-repeated variables) was performed on LAVG and DR. Interpretation and discussion of results: There were main effects of culture and significant interactions involving cultural origin, the plugs versus no earplug conditions, type of earplugs, and trial number. Use of earplugs may vary the overall loudness of music and the DR in some musicians.