How Musicians Can Protect Their Hearing
Chris Martin, Peter Townshend, Phil Collins, Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton... these are just a few of the many musicians who have suffered from hearing loss or tinnitus during their careers. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous the music industry can be for hearing health. Fortunately, as technology continues to evolve and researchers learn more about hearing, more resources and information are becoming available so musicians can better protect their hearing while pursuing their passions and creating the music we all love. Here are a few of our top tips for caring for your ears as a musician.
1. HAVE YOUR HEARING CHECKED ANNUALLY.
This will ensure that you and your audiologist can track changes in your hearing, including any work-related damage, and address conditions before they progress further.
2. AVOID BEING IN LINE WITH SPEAKERS.
Because sound travels in a straight line, the sound coming from a speaker is louder for those directly in front of it. Therefore, positions that are on speakers' sides are best whenever using amplification systems.
3. WEAR HEARING PROTECTION WHEN PERFORMING.
In-ear monitors protect the ears from dangerous levels of sound on the stage while still allowing a sound mix from the sound board passing through at safe levels. Musicians can choose from custom-molded in-ear monitors or universal-fit monitors. Non-electronic custom-molded musicians’ plugs with acoustic filters are also available.
4. BE MINDFUL IN SMALLER SETTINGS LIKE REHEARSALS.
Hearing damage can take place in smaller, more intimate settings if the sound level is high enough. When practicing, consider playing more quietly (if possible) and be sure to wear hearing protection if the music is loud enough to cause damage.
5. TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS FROM PERFORMING.
Breaks from performances, recording sessions, and rehearsals give your ears the necessary time to rest during long periods of exposure. Ideally, it would be best if you take these breaks in a quiet setting.
6. GET IN THE HABIT OF TESTING SOUND LEVELS.
There are many different apps and accessories that you can use to measure noise volume in decibels. Using these monitoring systems will allow you to make more informed decisions about how to protect your hearing health in a variety of different settings.
If you are a musician and are ready to take control of your hearing health, contact us for a screening and get fitted for one of our in-ear monitor options. You can also learn more about preventing general noise-induced hearing loss here.
If you think that you already have noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus, fill out our online Hearing Questionnaire. You can find more helpful information about tinnitus here.
