• All sounds, good and bad, have the potential to cause a noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Both loud sounds as well as prolonged medium volume sounds could be problematic; if you exceed your maximum daily dose of sound, you could be at risk of developing NIHL.
• Your professors want to ensure that your studies here at UNCG are not damaging your hearing. They also want to give you to opportunity to ask questions and learn how to protect your hearing.
• Yes, it is also a course requirement if you are enrolled in an ensemble. (undergraduate only – graduate students, this is not currently a requirement).

All undergraduate students enrolled in an ensemble are required to take a hearing test sometime during the academic year. If your course begins with “ENS,” then it’s an ensemble! This includes large ensembles, pep band, and chamber music.

If you are enrolled in an ENS course and are required to come for a test, you will automatically be added to the Canvas “SOM Hearing Protection Program” organization. Details on how to sign up for a test will be there!

Generally first years and seniors are tested in the fall and sophomores and juniors are tested during the spring semester. You will be placed in sections within Canvas according to your standing with the registrar.

Room 161. That’s near the percussion area, underneath the piano labs.

Generally, tests are offered 8:30am to noon two days a week. Exact times vary by semester. Log into Canvas for the most up to date information.

We need to test before you are exposed to music-making sounds – that can impact your results.

If you have a schedule conflict, please email [email protected].

Yes. We’ll send you reminders through Canvas.

You can ask the audiologists when you go for your test, or you can email Dr. Libera anytime – [email protected]. She’ll also follow-up with you after your test.

Earplugs are available for purchase ($10) in the music building box office – just outside of room 217. Their hours are 12-1pm and 5-6pm, Mon-Fri. If you have questions on how to use them, just email [email protected]

• Once upon a time some of your professors were doing a research study, but that particular study has ended. Here in the music school, we are focused on protecting your hearing,
• However, our audiologists are doing research for their doctoral dissertations and may need your help. If you are asked to participate in a study, please keep an open mind and consider helping them with their work.

• More than likely you will be tested by a doctoral candidate form UNCG’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Many of them are in the final stages before earning their PhD or AuD (Doctor of Audiology) and are about to join an audiology or ENT practice or engage in research full-time. They are awesome.
• You may also be tested by Dr. Rebecca Libera. Dr. Libera is a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (COHC) and is also a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with 5+ years in a private audiology practice. She’s also a performing musician, and has done research in the sound exposures experienced by musicians in large ensembles.