Musicians are the connoisseurs of sound. Noise and music notes become an art form with them, and without them, no one would be able to hear the music of the best writers and composers. While making music may be one’s passion, it also comes with an occupational hazard. Here is a look at musicians and hearing loss, and what one can do about it.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is common for more of the population than one might think, but it is especially so for musicians. Recurring exposure to loud sounds at 85 dBA and higher damages the microscopic hairs in the inner ear. These hairs help process sound, and there is no way to heal, regrow, or replace them. Various instruments, including drums and electric guitar, can reach up to 100 dBA or higher. Rock concerts typically soar over this mark as well.
Tinnitus
Besides noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus is another type of damage that musicians might face over time. This condition is the famous ringing or whistling in the ears that one might hear intermittently. It happens because the brain is filling in a sound it expects to hear but doesn’t because of damage in the inner ear.
Hearing Aids
Some famous musicians such as Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Phil Collins, and Ozzy Osbourne have developed hearing loss after years of producing music. If a musician does discover that he has significant hearing loss, it would be beneficial to seek an audiologist for hearing aids. These devices help to amplify sound and are customizable to the wearer’s lifestyle, even for the stage.
Hearing Protection
In the meantime, musicians don’t have to end their career because of the danger of hearing loss. By no means! Instead, they can use specially-designed hearing protection to both protect their ears and still hear and respond to their bandmates’ playing. For the best of both worlds, see Clarity Audiology’s line of hearing protection devices.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.