Health Problems Of Musicians

Musicians experience a number of health problems related to the practice and performance of music.

Health Conditions

The most common injury type suffered by musicians is repetitive strain injury (RSIs). A survey of orchestral performers found that 64–76% had significant RSIs. Other types of musculoskeletal disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and focal dystonia, are also common.

Non-musculoskeletal problems include contact dermatitis, hearing problems such as tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis and diplacusis[1] respiratory disorders or pneumothorax, increased intraocular pressure, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and psychological issues such as performance anxiety. Musicians may suffer tinnitus and hearing disorders due to exposure to loud music, such as hyperacusis or diplacusis. They also are at an increased risk of having problems with the stomatognathic system, in particular mouth and teeth, which may in some cases lead to permanent injuries that prevent the musicians from playing. There is little consistency across the hearing healthcare sector with respect to care of musicians' hearing and provision of hearing protection. However, the American Academy of Audiology has published a consensus document regarding best practices for hearing loss prevention with musicians.

Playing a brass or woodwind instrument puts the musician at greater risk of inguinal hernia. Woodwind instrumentalists, in rare cases, suffer a condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also referred to as saxophone lung, can be caused by Exophiala infection. It is held that this can occur if instruments are not cleaned properly.

See also

• Performing Arts Medicine
• Safe-In-Sound award