Investigators: Glen Green (PI), Richard L Neitzel (Co-I)
Team: Abilene Emerson, Tiffany R Bellomo, Sanjana Prasad, Jacob Abou-Hanna, Sai Talluru, Yanjun Xie, and Linyan Wang
Source of funding: Not funded
Dates: 2018 – 2020
Description:
In churches, a combination of factors such as choir singing, loud speakers, the use of church bells, and band performances can contribute to potential noise exposure above the NIOSH recommended limits. Studies on noise levels in American churches are limited to anecdotal evidence and small observational studies. The extent of noise-induced hearing loss experienced by priests and choir members is unknown, as are the impacts on church attendees, including children. However, the association between noise-induced hearing loss and adverse health outcomes is well established. This project aimed to collect area noise measurements and assess noise exposure in the churches of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and its surrounding communities. Noise measurements were collected during worship using noise dosimeters. Findings from this study have public health implications and potential for future intervention to reduce unsafe noise exposure in churches.
Results
Measurements were collected from 26 services in 20 different places of worship using either a Spark 706RC dosimeter or an iPod Touch running the NIOSH SLM app. Non-denominational places of worship were the loudest. If there were more than 3 vocal ensemble members, measurements were louder.
Publications:
Exposure Research Lab 