The term music-induced hearing loss is now used for a condition akin to NIHL. Both noise- and music-induced hearing loss are linked to a chronic, extended exposure, and progress at a rate proportionate to exposure conditions [Thais C. Morata, 2007]. Noise is defined as unwanted sound; however music is often quite the opposite.
In a scientific literature review concerning hearing impairment among classical music musicians, Palin (1994) found contradictory evidence on whether exposure to music could give hearing impairment. Palin concluded that the studies performed before 1993 had a low scientific level. Palin’s study along with a follow up study carried out by Axelsson et al in 1995, which showed surprisingly that rock musicians had fairly well preserved hearing, show that in the past, some findings seemed to follow a trend whereby hearing problems among musicians being related to playing music is dismissed. It appears that in more recent years, the results and conclusions of similar studies, like that of Hagberg et al (2005) show the opposite.