Aim: The present study aims at identifying auditory and health complaints of fitness instructors in fitness centers in Curitiba, and to evaluate the sound pressure levels (SPL) produced in fitness classes. SPL measurements were made following ABNT recommendations (Brazilian Technical Norms and Regulations Association - Norm 10151) and revealed levels that ranged from 73.9 to 94.2 dBA. Study design: Prospective clinical randomized. Material and method: 32 fitness instructors answered a questionnaire about their most frequent complaints related to SPL. Results: The most frequent complaints were: tinnitus (24%); ear fullness (15%) and poor concentration (15%). The classes in which sound pressure levels were investigated were: Step, Body Pump and Aerofitness. Conclusion: The results of the present research suggested the presence of high sound pressure levels in 66% of the evaluated classes.
high sound pressure levels; fitness centers; hearing; health complains; tinnitus
