Why Do Musicians Use Special Hearing Protection?

Musicians are often subject to very loud noises throughout their careers. Whether it’s recording a new song in a studio, playing with their friends or even performing on stage, there’s a good chance that they’ll be exposed to loud noises from instruments, crowds and large speakers. It’s for this reason that musicians tend to use special hearing protection; their career simply calls for it. So, whether you’re a hobbyist or a budding professional, here’s some information on special hearing protection that you can use as a musician.

Are Musicians at Risk of Hearing Loss?

Professional musicians are approximately four times as likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss. Research shows that they are also 57% more likely to develop tinnitus as a result of their job. This is because musicians are more likely to be exposed to loud noises for an extended period.

Noises above 70 decibels (dB) over a prolonged period can start to damage the inner ear, causing irreparable hearing loss. The average rock concert can be between 90-120dB, putting it above the limit for hearing loss. This may sound worrying to musicians, but noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable. This means that musicians don’t need to worry about gradually losing their hearing if they use special hearing protection.

What Hearing Protection Should Musicians Use?

There are several ways for musicians to protect their hearing. Special hearing protection is one of the best ways because it’s typically designed to fit your ears in the most comfortable way possible. This helps the musician get the most reduction in sound from their hearing protection, meaning their ears are better protected from loud noises.

However, simple hearing protection can also work in a pinch. If a musician is unable to get their hands on special hearing protection from an audiologist, then it’s perfectly fine to use an off-the-shelf solution instead. But if you play in concerts regularly or spend a lot of time practicing in a studio, it’s recommended to get custom special hearing protection that is more comfortable and suitable for your ears.

Are there Benefits to Using Special Hearing Protection?

Hearing protection will help reduce the sound levels around you, reducing the chances that you will be affected by hearing loss. However, that’s not the only benefit to hearing protection and there are a number of other benefits that you can expect as well.

For instance, using special hearing protection for musicians means that you can hear your own instrument and vocals a lot clearer. This is great if you plan to perform on stage and need to hear yourself more clearly. You could also use in-ear monitors instead of earplugs. This will greatly enhance the sound that you hear since it’s not just blocking and reducing the noise around you; it will help to reduce the level of sound without compromising on quality.

So, whether you’re a budding musician or a seasoned professional, consider using special hearing protection to safeguard your ears.