Archive for September, 2007
September 30th, 2007 6:09:30
Music exposure and audiological findings in Brazilian disc jockeys (DJs).
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Music exposure and audiological findings in Brazilian disc jockeys (DJs).
Int J Audiol. 2007 May;46(5):223-31
Authors: Santos L, Morata TC, Jacob LC, Albizu E, Marques JM, Paini M
The aim of this study was to examine the music exposure and hearing of disc jockeys (DJs). We conducted personal noise dosimetry on 30 DJs and interviewed them regarding their hearing and their job. We conducted pure-tone audiometry, and transient and distortion product otoacoustic emissions before their exposure to music during their work. This first test was preceded by a period of at least 12 hours without exposure to music or noise. We repeated the pure-tone audiometry and otoacoustic emissions after their music exposure, and poorer performances were registered in all retests. The nightclubs’ average sound level ranged between 93.2 to 109.7 dB(A). Statistical analysis showed significant bilateral temporary threshold shifts at all frequencies between audiometry performed pre- and post-exposure to amplified music. Transient otoacoustic emissions showed a significant difference in bilateral amplitude and reproducibility at all frequency bands tested. The comparison of distortion product otoacoustic emissions results pre- and post-music exposure showed there was a significant difference in amplitude. Music exposure was associated with temporary and permanent auditory dysfunction among professional DJs.
PMID: 17487670 [PubMed - in process]
September 25th, 2007 14:09:51
Music recognition, music listening, and word recognition by deaf children with cochlear implants.
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Music recognition, music listening, and word recognition by deaf children with cochlear implants.
Ear Hear. 2007 Apr;28(2 Suppl):29S-33S
Authors: Mitani C, Nakata T, Trehub SE, Kanda Y, Kumagami H, Takasaki K, Miyamoto I, Takahashi H
OBJECTIVES: To examine the ability of congenitally deaf children to recognize music from incidental exposure and the relations among age at implantation, music listening, and word recognition. DESIGN: Seventeen child implant users who were 4 to 8 yr of age were tested on their recognition and liking of musical excerpts from their favorite television programs. They were also assessed on open-set recognition of three-syllable words. Their parents completed a questionnaire about the children’s musical activities. RESULTS: Children identified the musical excerpts at better than chance levels, but only when they heard the original vocal/instrumental versions. Children’s initiation of music listening at home was associated with younger ages at implantation and higher word recognition scores. CONCLUSIONS: Child implant users enjoy music more than adult implant users. Moreover, younger age at implantation increases children’s engagement with music, which may enhance their progress in other auditory domains.
PMID: 17496641 [PubMed - in process]
September 24th, 2007 22:09:43
Recreational music-making modulates natural killer cell activity, cytokines, and mood states in corporate employees.
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Recreational music-making modulates natural killer cell activity, cytokines, and mood states in corporate employees.
Med Sci Monit. 2007 Jan 18;13(2):CR57-70
Authors: Wachi M, Koyama M, Utsuyama M, Bittman BB, Kitagawa M, Hirokawa K
Background: With growing evidence linking job stress to illness, finding an effective means of stress management has become a challenging international endeavor. Although music therapy has attracted the attention of various fields as a promising method for alleviating stress, lack of standardization and paucity of data have served as impediments to widespread utilization. Material/Methods: The effects of a Recreational Music-Making (RMM) group drumming protocol was evaluated on Japanese male corporate employees. A total of 20 volunteers participated in a one-hour RMM session while 20 volunteers engaged in leisurely reading for one hour (controls). After a six-month interval, the groups switched activities and underwent one session each. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected using mood state questionnaires and blood samples. Individual and group mean values for natural killer (NK) cell activity, NK cell percentage, and cytokine gene expression were analyzed. Results: NK cell activity in the RMM group increased among individuals with low pre-intervention levels, and decreased among those with high pre-intervention levels. A significant correlation was established between changes in NK cell activity and the changes in the level of gene expressions for interferon-gamma and interleukin-10. The RMM group demonstrated enhanced mood, lower gene expression levels of the stress-induced cytokine interleukin-10, and higher NK cell activity when compared to the control. Conclusions: Based upon documented changes in NK cell activity, coupled with gene expression changes for interferon-gamma, interleukin-10, and improved mood, this RMM protocol has significant potential for utilization in the corporate wellness environment.
PMID: 17261984 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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