Keywords: audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, musicians, tinnitus, hearing loss

Abstract: Purpose: The objectiv of our study is to evaluate the hearing and the hearing disturbs in musicians of the São Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra. Material and Methods: During rehersals were made sound measurements in the local, ranging from 81.4 to 94.7 dBSLP. The exposure period is around 8 to 10 daily hours of rehersals. The authors applied a questionary to 16 musicians and made hearing evaluation using conventional audiometry and otoacoustic emissions. Six (38%) of the musicians showed hearing loss compatible with noise - induced hearing loss through analysis of the results from audiometry and, from the 16 musicians, eleven (69%) had absent otoacoustic emissions to high frequencies. Results: There was more alteration in the otoacoustic emission than in the audiometry. Hearing disturbs like tinnitus and loud sound intolerance, present in ten musicians, can exist even without alteration in the exams. Conclusion: These results allow us to alert the professionals in relation to the hearing risks of exposition to very loud music and orientate them about a hearing conservation program.