What's that you say?.... Hearing loss possible?

[BentwoodBlue]

Last night after I blew my whistle in a match for what seemed like the 300th time, it occured to me, could whistling over time lead to hearing loss?
Does anyone know of any data or research that had been done in any related sports? I would like to look in to this.

[Statesman]

Repetitive exposure to noises above the threshold of damage, around 80-90dB, results in hearing loss. Fox40 whistles have a rating of 115 dB.

However, when you blow the whistle it is for a short period of time. You are doing damage, and over many many years it may add up to some minor hearing loss at the highest frequencies, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Most senior aged adults will have lost the high-end frequencies through exposure to everyday noises already.

The one thing you do need to watch for is ringing in your ears. If you hear a ring after a short blast of the whistle you might want to blow the whistle a tad softer and less shrill (but not too soft and lose effectiveness!). At my age I've developed tinitis, or a chronic ringing in the ears. It is perceived at about a 40dB level, but for some people tinitis can reach 90dB+. The constant sound can greatly deteriorate quality of living, so get your ears examined ASAP as soon as you notice a constant ring.

(An interesting note - Beethoven suffered from 90dB+ tinitis and his hearing loss is a contributing factor to the size and volume of a grand piano. Anything quieter and he couldn't hear what he was playing.)

So, yes it is possible to have hearing loss, but probably not at a level to be worried about. Just pay attention to the symptoms and consult your doctor anytime you notice a potential problem. If you ignore the symptoms the only thing that will go away is your hearing!

[IASocFan]

I suspect my whistling may have caused my premature hearing loss. I'm 61 and have been reffing for the last 30 years. I used the whistle a lot more in my earlier years. I whistle less, but more frequently use a loud whistle, which doesn't help the issue.

I'll be following this thread for scientific information. :)

[Ref Flunkie]

Found this reference, but I can't access it. Perhaps someone else here can:

Referee's Ear.
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 38(4):329, April 1996.
Nigro, Peter J. MD, MPH; Warrick, Brian L. BS

[Laggard]

One thing I try to avoid is blowing the final whistle while really near to a player. 11 year old ears don't need 115 db.

[PirateJohn]

Repetitive exposure to noises above the threshold of damage, around 80-90dB, results in hearing loss. Fox40 whistles have a rating of 115 dB.Of course, that's only if you blow the whistle full-force. If I blow my Fox 40 that loud, it's usually while my hand is in the pocket that contains my red card. For most fouls or whatnot, I blow my whistle at about half strength and it works just fine without deafening every life form in a ten yard radius.

[Wreave]

http://www.walkersgameear.com/tactical3.asp

Double benefit - you can more accurately hear what the players and coaches are saying under their breath, but also protect your hearing when you lay on the whistle.

[Chubbywubby]

I'd definitely want to be able to hear the coach taking the safety off his sidearm during my match. :-)

[Law5]

I know a very high level referee who retired after deciding that she was losing her hearing.
I realized a few years ago that I was experiencing some hearing loss immediately after games. It went away after a few hours, but I was concerned enough that I switched whistles. I haven't had a problem since, at least that I've heard. :p As a result, I think that it may have to do with the pitch of whistle you are using.

[Wreave]

I'd definitely want to be able to hear the coach taking the safety off his sidearm during my match. :-)

:D

I know a very high level referee who retired after deciding that she was losing her hearing.
I realized a few years ago that I was experiencing some hearing loss immediately after games. It went away after a few hours, but I was concerned enough that I switched whistles. I haven't had a problem since, at least that I've heard. :p As a result, I think that it may have to do with the pitch of whistle you are using.

What whistles did you switch from and to? :confused: