Abstract:
The sonic culture of any place is always locally specific. Yet, beyond cultural
differences, there are more general health implications of sound production and
exposure, particularly where high sound levels with potentially damaging effects to
the inner ear are concerned. The purpose of this study was to investigate further into
the socio-cultural, psychological, and physiological dimensions of sound production,
exposure and perception in a Ghanaian context. Specifically, we aimed to examine
how people who regularly deal with electronic sound equipment evaluate sound
stimuli in different contexts. We used three different instruments: first, we measured
ambient noise levels at live music events and during band rehearsals; we then
conducted air conduction threshold tests to assess participants’ status of hearing; and,
as a complementary instrument, we used a structured questionnaire to assess levels of
sound exposure as well as participants’ evaluation of environmental noise. Our results
revealed that amateur and professional musicians are indeed a high risk group with
regard to potential hearing damage. We therefore concluded that awareness
campaigns and counter-measures with regard to sound/noise pollution need to be
designed more specifically for different target groups to address their respective
needs.
