## Measured and perceived loudness levels for trumpet players rehearsing in practice rooms

Johan de Sousa Mestre

Artifon AB

Website www.artifon.se

Phone/Mobile +46 31 761 88 11

E-mail mailto:johan@artifon.se

Östra Hamngatan 52, 411 08 Göteborg, Sweden

An early pilot study has indicated that the binaurally measured sound level at the ears doesn’t differ much between different practice rooms, however the subjective loudness does. It seems as the subjective loudness is influenced mostly by the later arriving sound and the character of the sound. This study goes in depth with this problem for classical trumpet players since they are exposed to high levels. The main goal is to indicate better ways for acoustic consultants and end users to find parameters with high correlation to the perceived loudness that can be predicted and measured. In Sweden the legislation for maximum sound exposure levels for musicians at work is the same as for factory workers. The legislation only takes into account the measured sound levels. However the risk for hearing problems, like tinnitus and hyperacusis is also influenced by stressors. The perceived loudness is therefore important from a sound health point of view.