These Go to Eleven
Posted on byBut don’t go one louder!
In the mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap, Chris Guest’s rocker “Nigel Tufnel” proudly points out that the volume controls for his amplifiers are “one louder” than standard amps. “These go to 11.” In real life, This Isn’t Spinal Tap, and one can have too much of a good thing. The “good thing” we are talking about is playing or listening to your favorite music too loudly and possibly damaging your hearing. Once you have hearing loss, music will never sound the same; ringing in the ears will rob you of the sound of silence.
Whether it’s rock, classical, hip hop, or something in between, at certain sound levels, repeated exposure to music can cause permanent hearing loss and/or ringing in the ears known as tinnitus.
Recent studies by NIOSH researchers and others at nightclubs and other music venues show that all employees studied, regardless of occupation (waiters, bartenders, DJs, etc), were exposed to noise levels above the internationally recommended limits of 82-85 dB(A)/8 hours and were at a higher risk of developing hearing loss and/or tinnitus. A new term, music-induced hearing loss, has been coined to reflect this growing condition.
Musicians and others working in entertainment and sports (see related blogs) are often overlooked in terms of occupational safety and health. Few countries (Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Finland, and Sweden) have specific recommendations for occupational exposure limits when it comes to musical activities or noise in the entertainment industry. While great strides are being made in terms of research on music-induced hearing loss, hearing conservation efforts have been minimal.
Hearing loss prevention approaches need to be customized, since “classic” conservation initiatives—those geared toward industrial settings—may not be appropriate. For example, removing the hazardous noise source or removing the worker (i.e., the musician) are not really applicable. Assessing hearing risk can be complicated when it comes to music. Correct and consistent use of hearing protection can prevent hearing loss among musicians, but convincing DJs, musicians, and others at risk of hearing loss to use appropriate hearing protection is challenging. Finally, since we are not dealing with “noise,” hearing conservationists have to think about hearing loss prevention from an artistic view—not just medically or scientifically.
So what can be done? Targeted communication campaigns are needed to highlight the value of hearing, the risks associated with continuous exposure to loud music and more importantly, the availability of services and products that preserve sound quality and are suited to musicians’ needs. Examples of efforts to reach musicians and other professionals exposed to music come from three recipients of an award created by NIOSH in partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), the Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™:
2010 Innovation Winner (Manufacturing Sector). Etymotic Research, Inc*, was arguably the first company to offer solutions to the problem of music related hearing damage. They approached the problem of managing risk by thinking like musicians and working with them. Conventional earplugs can offer too much attenuation or distort sounds, but today we have better hearing protection alternatives for music performance and enjoyment. In terms of music and conservation, one of Etymotic’s greatest contributions is the flat attenuating “Musician’s Earplug”. While many industries regard hearing protection devices as a last resort in terms of conservation, for many musicians this may be the only realistic and readily available option for protecting their ears. Etymotic’s most recent contribution (Electronic BlastPLG earplugs) received a 2011 Innovation Award from the Consumer Electronics Association. The EB15 model automatically becomes a 15-dB high-fidelity hearing protector when ambient noise exceeds safe levels.
2010 Innovation Winner (Services Sector). Professor Kris Chesky (a musician himself, who has hearing loss since college) and the College of Music at the University of North Texas (UNT) are taking a broad approach to raise awareness of the importance of hearing loss prevention by changing the pedagogy of music education. They have developed educational goals, policies, support materials for music educators and an occupational health course for music students. They are also conducting research on measuring sound pressure levels in music classes and establishing exposure databases for different music school scenarios.
Professor Chesky’s work has been inspired by his belief that: “…every person learning about music in the United States, from early grade school through college, must be taught to understand that music is a sound source capable of harming hearing and that music can be studied, practiced, performed, and consumed in ways that are not risky to hearing.”
UNT’s innovative research and methodology, education, and advocacy have reached music educators and students, university administrators and board members of accreditation agencies. It is also bringing additional attention to the risk of music-induced hearing loss to other professionals in entertainment venues and to the general public.
So, we are making strides and can go beyond “don’t go one louder!” by offering some do’s, which can work for musicians, workers exposed to music, and music lovers:
- Know the risks. Overexposure to excessively loud sounds can cause irreversible damage to your hearing.
- Exposure time is just as important as exposure levels when it comes to creating risk. Be sure to take breaks in quieter areas. Limit your time in noise (from sports, transportation, firearms, etc). It all adds up!
- Wear earplugs. Consider custom- or universal-fit Musicians Earplugs to keep fidelity but decrease intensity.
- Move around venues to find a “quieter spot.” Sound reverberates and you might decrease your exposure level if you stand in a spot where you are not getting sound directly from the source.
- If you are a professional performer in a constant venue (house player), examine or ask about engineering controls that could be implemented to improve the acoustics of the room or hall and reduce exposure levels.
- If you experience ringing or “muffling” for more than 24 hours, you may want to consider a hearing check-up. Tinnitus and temporary changes in hearing might be a sign of early onset of permanent damage.
Are there reasons for optimism? Plenty! In Sweden, a country that has invested in educational campaigns early on, higher percentages of young people wear hearing protection when exposed to loud music or noise, in comparison to other countries (61% study participants in Sweden, 9% in the US and 2% in Brazil; Zocoli et al., 2009). Hearing protection use for music exposure is increasing in Australia following reports issuing recommendations (Binge Listening, 2010).
Spreading the information from campaigns such as those referenced above and included below can help those exposed to loud music preserve their hearing and extend the enjoyment they get from music.
Dr. Morata is a research audiologist in the NIOSH Division of Applied Research and Technology.
Ryan Johnson, a musician-audiology student, worked at NIOSH as a student member of the Safe-in-Sound Expert Committee in 2010.
*Inclusion of a company name or product does not constitute an endorsement from NIOSH or the Federal Government.
Additional Resources
Hear Tomorrow – The Hearing Conservation Workshop
H.E.A.R. – Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers
American Tinnitus Association – for musicians and music lovers
Turn It to the Left – from the American Academy of Audiology
Listen to Your Buds – from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Binge Listening: Is exposure to leisure noise causing hearing loss in young Australians? [pdf] – report from Australian Hearing, National Acoustic Laboratories
Hearing Aids and Music: Interview with Marshall Chasin, AuD – from the American Academy of Audiology
Safe Listening Resources – from the National Hearing Conservation Association
References
- Beach E, Williams W, Gilliver M. Hearing protection for clubbers is music to their ears. Health Promot J Austr. 2010 21(3):215-21. Bray A, Szymański M, Mills R. Noise induced hearing loss in dance music disc jockeys and an examination of sound levels in nightclubs. J Laryngol Otol. 2004 118(2):123-8.
- Gunderson E, Moline J, Catalano P. Risks of developing noise-induced hearing loss in employees of urban music clubs. Am J Ind Med. 1997 31(1):75-9.
- Jansen EJ, Helleman HW, Dreschler WA, de Laat JA. Noise induced hearing loss and other hearing complaints among musicians of symphony orchestras. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2009 82(2):153-64.
- Mendes MH, Morata TC, Marques JM. Acceptance of hearing protection aids in members of an instrumental and voice music band. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 20077 3(6):785-92.
- Potier M, Hoquet C, Lloyd R, Nicolas-Puel C, Uziel A, Puel JL. The risks of amplified music for disc-jockeys working in nightclubs. Ear Hear. 2009 30(2):291-3.
- Sadhra S, Jackson CA, Ryder T, Brown MJ. Noise exposure and hearing loss among student employees working in university entertainment venues. Ann Occup Hyg. 2002 46(5):455-63.
- Santos L, Morata TC, Jacob LC, Albizu E, Marques JM, Paini M. Music exposure and audiological findings in Brazilian disc jockeys (DJs). Int J Audiol. 2007 46(5):223-31.
- Zhao F, Manchaiah VK, French D, Price SM. Music exposure and hearing disorders: an overview. Int J Audiol. 2010 49(1):54-64.
- Zocoli AM, Morata TC, Marques JM, Corteletti LJ. Brazilian young adults and noise: attitudes, habits, and audiological characteristics. Int J Audiol. 2009 48(10):692-9.
115 comments on “These Go to Eleven”
Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy ».
About 7 years ago I had wanted to conduct a study on the noise exposure to people at concert venues and nightclubs. I played in a band for about 10 years where we played two or three shows a week and after a few years my band all decided to get the musician ear plugs. They worked great, but the young people (13-25) in the audience were still unprotected.
We started handing out free ear plugs at our merch table with our CDs and t-shirts. And we made sure that we wore our ear plugs even when we weren’t playing to set an example for the other attendees.
Good article and great links. Thanks for tackling such an interesting subject.
I think University Pep Bands often play music > 100 dba average for more than 2 hours during basketball games. I think some one should try and protect the hearing of the 40-50 18-22 year old students.
This comment is indirectly related to musician noise exposure, but was wondering if there has been any research on noise exposure and hearing loss in airline flight attendants. Can the repeated pressurization + noise levels typically in the 80-83 dB range have a cumulative effect on hearing loss? And following that thread, might same dynamics adversely affect hearing of us frequent flyers? I am a million + miler on one carrier and have spent way too much of my life abave 30,000 ft in noisy aircraft and wonder what toll it has taken on my hearing.
Thank you for your comment. Unless the individual who is flying has some ear disorder, the pressurization issue would not add significantly to the risk of hearing loss. Such risk is low. NIOSH has examined this topic and noise measurements done in 3 studies showed that the levels encountered on individual flights were not enough to increase an employee’s or the public’s (even a frequent flier’s) risk for hearing loss. Even when the noise exposures from the multiple flights taken by the flight attendants during a day’s schedule were combined, the attendants would need to take 12-24 of these flights per day before realizing an increased risk of occupational hearing loss. However, in some unusual scenarios risk may exist since some aircrafts are still noisy and members of the flight crew could spend long periods of time in the noisier parts of airplanes.
The following resources provide more information.
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA 2002-0354-2931, Horizon Air, Seattle, Washington
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2003-0364-3012, Mesaba Airlines, Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Tubbs RL. “Noise exposures in aircraft passenger cabins during flight operations.” NHCA Spectrum 2005 Feb; 22(Suppl 1):25
I ask my patients to download a sound meter onto their smart phones. This is a FREE app. then they can read the noise level. One of the worst things I have seen is the wedding where they plunk the little kids in front of the 8 foot speakers all evening. With a sound meter the parents could see the noise is too loud.
Thank you for sharing. You might also consider letting your patients know about the information and materials available at http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/ I also use the sound level meter app to compare noise levels in restaurants, and I try to include that in the reviews I post.
i think i have come down with tinitous.
Is there any cure for it??/
If so, can you please tell me what the cure is.
thank you!!!
Gary, tinnitus is a complex condition that can be caused by many medical and non-medical events. I suggest you visit [http://ohsu.edu/ohrc/tinnitusclinic] for more information or the American Tinnitus Association ata.org Best of luck with this.
Thank you Gary for your post and Dr. Billy Martin for joining the discussion. Gary, I would also encourage you to see a specialist about your tinnitus. You may also want to view a recent interview with Dr. Martin on this issue at http://www.kgw.com/thesquare/hearing_loss_william_shatner_ohsu_ipod-114253074.html
I know many musicians who have had a long career exposed to loud music and still have perfect hearing. Is that unusual?
Excellent question. It is not unusual for musicians to have excellent hearing. We know from studying the effects of noise on hearing that risk is not only determined by characteristics of exposure conditions to noise (and other risk factors) but also determined by biological characteristics of the individual. The bottom line is you can have 2 individuals that share similar exposure histories and one will have a hearing loss while the other will have perfect hearing until old age. As we are not able to tell who is more resistant, we suggest the precautions above.
Thank you so much for this article! As a musician I’m often so focussed on the music that I’m creating and listening to that I forget that it is a sound which can cause terrible harm. It’s so important for musicians to be educated about ways to protect their hearing. Thank you for all your work in developing ways to help us do this!
Your experience was brilliantly illustrated on the short film Noise in the Office, co-produced by several European Health Institutions.
NIOSH has examined this issue with call center operators and dispatchers, and there were also several European and Australian studies on the subject. Most of the findings could not confirm that the levels were hazardous, unless volumes were set to maximum. NIOSH used an acoustic head fixture (a mannequin), to play the same sounds that an operator receives through her headset and we did not find any conclusive evidence of hazardous exposure. However, when we (or other researchers) interviewed the operators, most have reported symptoms similar to what you report. We have recommended that employers provide workers with a variety of headsets to try, purchase headsets with sound limiting circuitry, noise cancellation, and improved protection features, and most of all, make the workplace environment quieter using acoustical treatments to walls, partitions, and such.
There are international standards on office noise for comfort, and measuring sound levels but not one with exposure limits specific to Call Centers. The International Standard ISO 11904-1, 11904-2 that describe the proper way to measure the noise levels through the headsets using an acoustical head fixtures. If anyone is to conduct a “sound test” at your facility in the future, they should follow the guidelines in these standards or their tests will be invalid.
Currently, NIOSH researchers are in the process of developing guidelines on this very issue. It will be published in the form of a Workplace Solutions document, available in a couple of months. Please check back with us at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/workplace_date_desc_nopubnumbers.html
References:
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2007-0235-3064, evaluation of potential noise hazards to mechanics and 911 dispatchers at a fire department, Anchorage, Alaska
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-2003-0273; 2003-0280; 2003-0287-2974, Kaiser-Permanente, Santa Teresa, Redwood City, and Santa Clara, California
Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-1999-0199-3053, Cincinnati Police Department, Cincinnati, Ohio
As a performing musician with some hearing loss, I was inspired to look at orchestra pit musicians in the Broadway shows years ago. High sound levels were recorded. Orchestra pit configuration, PPE, and other sound protection methods were of importance. Here is a link to the article. I think the conditions are similar today as then.
[http://sciandmed.com/mppa/journalviewer.aspx?issue=1094&article=1038]
I too played in a rock band for many years. I have noticed some level of hearing loss. Today, I settle for a more acoustic style of music. I’m still able to enjoy and hear most nuances in a quiet setting.
I believe that concert listeners develop tinnitus as a result of ground vibrations which cause different levels of concussion in each individual. Young people have said that their tinnitus resolved in few days, where as old people can take six months or more.
Are there any known methods for repairing if possibly any hearing loss once it has happened? I recently saw a show with a surgical procedure that revamps the inside of the ear.
Different treatments and interventions exist for different hearing disorders. Unfortunately, noise-induced hearing loss is permanent. That is why we put so much emphasis on protecting hearing before it is damaged.
We saw the traveling production of STOMP recently. The ushers offered earplugs to families with children, but no instruction on how to use them properly.
Thank you for responding to my inquiry about music in the call center.
Since then my employer has added a microphone. I walked in one day and there was loud music playing and managers were yelling thru the microphone and walking around the center yelling, to spur sales. Also, I was on the phone one day and all of a sudden my left ear popped and I lost all hearing in it for seconds. When it returned I had a loud ringing in it for the rest of the evening. It was the ear that my headset was on. The Otolaryngologist that I have seen twice could not explain what happened.
He does not seem to be familiar with call centers and acoustic shock and the other dangers to the hearing of call center employees. My employer refuses to quit playing the music although they have turned the volume down. But now I have a hypersensitivity to it and when they play it, I get headaches, my ears feel like they’re swollen inside and they ache, as if my ear drums are hurting. They say they can’t find a headset with ear mufflers on it to block out the music and other loud noises. They asked that my doctor tell them what headset to get. My doctor responded he doesn’t know, that my employer is the expert. My employer also wants to know if there are certain frequencies they should block out. I’m stuck in the middle. Would OSHA know of doctors who are familiar with work-related hearing problems? I’m at a loss and afraid I am going to lose my hearing or be unable to work. Thank you. Jackie
You may want to search the internet using the keywords “high-performance noise-isolating headset earphones” to find a head set that is appropriate for your needs.
For doctors familiar with prevention of work-related hearing loss I suggest looking for an occupational health clinic in your area. You can find one in your area on the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics website.
I totally agree. People should listen to music and sing at a reasonable volume…louder does not equal better.
Great ideas guys, I think it’s massively important for musicians to bare in mind the importance of hearing protection. I’ve recently put together this article recommending the earplugs for musicians that you might want to consider referencing?
[http://themusiciansguide.co.uk/blog/19/what-are-the-best-ear-plugs-for-musicians/best]
I’m a little worried about eventually losing my hearing from insanely loud Music.
HOW DO WE GET TSHIRTS
While we haven’t made t-shirts with our cautionary slogan, shirts with the original Spinal Tap reference are easily found on the web.
Yep me too. Even though I don’t go out to places with loud music. I often play music at home with my headphone with loud volume. Fortunately not anymore after I started to hear buzzing in my ears.
I can only imagine what noise levels those employed at bars and clubs are exposed to on a daily level. The long term noise exposure to their ear drums must be devastating. I guess my parents were right to warn me to turn my music down.
I know numerous music artists who may have had an extended profession subjected to loud music and have perfect hearing. Is that uncommon?
I also know a lot of musicians with tremendous ear problems.
Please see the response to comment 8 above.
I am a musician and have worked as a professional audio recording engineer for 20 years. I have retained my hearing by using earplugs for rehearsals and keeping the volume down in the studio.
I’d like to draw everyone’s attention to a new hearing health advisory for use in schools of music. On November 2011, following the encouragement of several organizations, some featured in this Science Blog, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) ratified a new health and safety accreditation standard that recognizes the need to address hearing health. Together with the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA), NASM developed and disseminated a comprehensive hearing health advisory for use in schools of music across the country. The advisory is available at http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/index.jsp?page=NASM-PAMA_Hearing_Health
Founded in 1924, the NAMS is an organization with approximately 615 accredited institutional members. NASM uses national Standards that characterize basic requirements and conditions for the study of music. We congratulate NASM for this important step towards helping professional musicians maintain a healthy hearing.
I have been a musician for several years and have had many very close calls in regard to hearing loss. Once, not too long ago I connected my guitar cable to my (product name removed) and all of the sudden there was crazy feedback. My ears were ringing for hours. Hearing loss is scary!
Permanent haring loss and/or tinnitus can happen after a single traumatic exposure. However, most noise-induced hearing disorders commonly occur gradually and the first signs of hearing loss may not always be obvious. As such disorders can get worse over time, it is important to address them. The earlier a problem is detected, the greater the chances of preventing further hearing loss – and gaining the best possible results from treatment.
I think it’s important that the famous music artists start using earplugs when they play for the crowd. I see in the Netherlands that many hobby music players start imitating this. It should be great if the artists also recommend the use of earplugs to their fans and tell them why it’s so important. There’s a long way to go to let everybody be aware of the need of noise protection, but this can be the beginning.
I think there’s also a serious task for the Government in this case. Showing short and shocking movies on tv about real people who already destroyd their lifes due to noise induced hearing loss, will in my opinion increase the overall awareness. In the long run it will save lots of money in the medical health care for the country as well.
Great article. In the United States awareness for hearing loss is significantly less than melanoma or breast cancer. The devices designed for musicians by musicians will be effective, that’s a practical implication at the sites of hearing loss incidents. Somebody tell my friends about the possibility for hearing loss so they don’t reserve seats for the first row! Unfortunately, education about hearing loss to kids in music courses will be less effective in prevention for two reasons: 1. music class is not a site of dangerously loud music. 2. music courses are teaching theory which means disconnection from a scenario where the lesson needs to be applied. kids will won’t retain 100% attention, some may think they won’t be affected. Finally, I agree that employees in music, sports and entertainment are treated to inferior safety policies. Their jobs are viewed as all pleasure (which it’s not) and they are neglected. However, no reason exists why musicians that move us with great alternative rock songs should suffer hearing loss.
I found this blog very interesting so I have bookmarked it. I hope you do not mind if I refer to your blog on mine thank you Richard
We have begun to attend a large church in the Atlanta area. the music before the service is so loud that it goes through your body and makes your heart beat irregular. Your whole body and organs begin to shake or throb. We can’t go into the service any more. I wonder if those with pacemakers have a problem. how can I approach the subject with church staff. It has to be a serious health hazzard.
Thank you for this article! If I could get permission, I’d love to post this on our blog for our music store. I spent a few years playing guitar in a band that was playing entirely too loud and have suffered tinnitus as a result for over 20 years now because of it. A little extra care would’ve saved a lot in the long run.
Regarding comment 31. Mary, I think the best way to approach the church staff about the loud mix is to acknowledge that they are likely trying to appeal to a younger generation (so that you don’t come across as ‘complaining’), but that it is causing such a distraction to you that you really don’t feel like you can connect with God during service, which really, is the reason you’re there. Hopefully that matters to them 😉 Everyone has ‘comments’ about volume levels at churches, so just communicating the fact that you see both sides will help your point to be better received in my opinion. Hope that helps!
-Bryan
Yes, please post this information on your blog. We love that the word is getting out about protecting musicians’ hearing. We only ask that you credit NIOSH and provide a link back to our blog. Thank You.
Super useful thank you. Now we have a 6 month old baby we are even more conscious of volume levels. We even try to avoid crowds in enclosed spaces as I think that is probably damaging if he is exposed to it for too long.
Living in Australia I am glad that the occupational limits you talk about are in place. We are gradually waking up to the need for good occupational health and safety legislation – which is in some areas only a recent addition!
It is sad that some people are not getting the point and writing such comments!
very true!! This agree with this article 100%!
Much thanks to you such a great amount of for this article! As a musical performer I’m frequently so focused on the music that I’m making and listening to that I overlook that it is a sound which can result in loathsome mischief. It’s so imperative for musical performers to be taught about approaches to ensure their listening ability. Much thanks to you for all your work in creating approaches to help us do this!
I know many musicians who have had a
long career exposed to loud music and
still have perfect hearing. Is that
unusual?
It’s a shame. Good music doesn’t have to be blasted so loud that it makes you deaf. In fact, in addition to the loudness I think the frequency makes a difference. Most music today is 440, but I prefer the old Verdi Tuning of 442. If you’d like to hear the difference you can change the tuning using the trial program of this software and listen for yourself: Song Surgeon.
Thank you for your comment. Dr. Marshal Chasin, – one of the most knowledgeable experts on this topic – published recently on how exploiting the difference between sound level and loudness can be a hearing loss prevention strategy for musicians and other professionals exposed to music at work.
See more at: http://www.hearingreview.com/2014/03/back-basics-loudness-intensity-two-tricks-help-conserve-musicians-hearing/#sthash.ecDQznmy.dpuf or Chasin, M. Loudness and intensity: Two more tricks to help conserve a musician’s hearing. Hearing Review. 2014:21. (3):16.
I definitely agree with the comment about university bands being too loud
Musician, especially disc jockeys are exposed to loud musics. They should wear ear plugs to protect their eardrums.
We are gradually waking up to the need for good occupational health and safety legislation which really, is the reason you’re there.
It was a pleasure coming cross your site.Enjoyed it!
Sensaphonics developed training on the basics of live performance audio, technique and product solutions for safe music playing, backstage etiquette, and how to work effectively with music industry clients. I prefer the old Verdi Tuning
I have had to learn to turn the music down. It will save your ears.
I work in the music industry and it is so important to preserve your hearing. I wonder if it is possible to reverse the damage.
Thank you for your question. Initially, persons exposed to loud noise may have temporary hearing loss which is reversible; however with repeat exposures the damage will become permanent and irreversible. People exposed to loud noise or music can experience a temporary hearing fluctuation, also called “Temporary threshold shift.” It is the ear’s way of expressing pain. If you notice a temporary threshold shift, you should either reduce the level of noise or use hearing protection in order to preserve your hearing. Once the ear has been assaulted a number of times with loud noise, it can develop a permanent threshold shift which does not improve with time. At that time the ringing (tinnitus) can also become permanent. Employers and workers should take steps to avoid any occupational exposure to loud noise.
Great reading, Musicians really need to keep a eye on there levels. Wedding Entertainment is also a area of concern
it still believes in the side effects that may overstimulate the ears. Although the stimulation is not painful. Dave
This maybe an old post, but I think it’s still relevant. And it’s quite an eye (or ear?) opener. My day job is in a personal care products manufacturer. While the stuff we produce are safe in normal doses, they aren’t at extreme levels. I never thought such is analogous to musicians and the stuff or music that they also “produce,” until I read this.
Kudos to Ted Teske for going as far as handing out free ear plugs to their audience. As someone who have experienced being near amps/speakers in some musical performances, their gesture is definitely appreciated. And like Bryan, I also plan to post something about this in my own blog, and I would gladly refer people here and to NIOSH.
I agree with sound meter affects because it’ a more sound beneficial for listeners. Sound effects can detect the actual frequency of sound waves in ear plugs.
Interesting
I have had to learn to turn the music down. It will save your ears.
This is a hugely important topic! Kids these days refuse to plug up at super loud concerts and they will pay dearly for it. We need to raise awareness around this issue and hopefully convince them to start wearing ear plugs to prevent tinnitus.
You won’t be able to sleep if you get permanent ringing in the ears!
This is a hugely important topic! Thank you so much,
From All my team
This is a hugely important topic! Kids these days refuse to plug up at super loud concerts and they will pay dearly for it. We need to raise awareness around this issue and hopefully convince them to start wearing ear plugs to prevent tinnitus.
You won’t be able to sleep if you get permanent ringing in the ears!
THNKZ
I have had to learn to turn the music down. It will save your ears
right
Well done such a big issue in the US and not much is done about it hopefully new research will lead to cure. Tinnitus is a form of brain damage form what i have learned fortunately i only suffer at night when it is silent.
My wife tells me all the time to turn the music down and I think that I need to listen to her. I make and master music for a living and I need to save my ears.
listening to loud music can damage your ears..
A very great and resourceful article. As a studio owner I can’t stress clients enough how important it is to take care of their ears. Unfortunately, lots of people don’t take it too seriously or didn’t take it seriously soon enough.
Also I think it will be a bigger problem in the near future with all these EDM festivals with too loud sound systems and headphones with over hyped sound. Innovation in music is lead by the kids, but let’s make sure they can enjoy their music when they are older too 🙂
Cheers James
I too played in a rock band for many years. I have noticed some level of hearing loss. Today, I settle for a more acoustic style of music. I’m still able to enjoy and hear most nuances in a quiet setting
Thank you for the article. Can neuroplasticity play a role in finding a cure for this kind of damage?
This is a topic that is still under investigation. While neuroplasticity seems to have the potential to help with rehabilitation, it does not restore normal hearing. It seems to help one make better use of what hearing is left. We recommend the publications of Dr. Nina Kraus, and in particular
Kraus N, White-Schwoch T. MUSIC TRAINING: LIFELONG INVESTMENT TO PROTECT THE BRAIN FROM AGING AND
HEARING LOSS . Acoustics Australia , Vol. 42, No.2, 117-123, August 2014.
I have a son who has profound hearing loss and it has become progressive over the years. He was recently diagnosed as Meunieres, but it’s now too late for intervention. It would seem to me that there should be some early diagnostic aids.
Both my sons were in rock bands in the eighty’s, now one is suffereing from hearing loss. The one who has continued to play has no issues. It makes me wonder if it’s due to other factors.
It is not unusual for musicians to have excellent hearing. We know from studying the effects of noise on hearing that risk is not only determined by characteristics of exposure conditions to noise (and other risk factors) but also determined by biological characteristics of the individual. The bottom line is you can have 2 individuals that share similar exposure histories and one will have a hearing loss while the other will have perfect hearing until old age. As we are not able to tell who is more resistant, we suggest the precautions above.
The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic serves over 2500 patients (musicians, sound engineers, service workers in the music industry, producers, etc.) We would love to partner with anyone working on research to secure the hearing health of our musicians in the birth city of American Music.
Very informative article. today it can not be separated from the noise either from the factory sound, the sound of the engine. it is the risk of technological developments that had to be in receipt of society. there needs to be the development of research to prevent such things and your article was to review the issue and this is very helpful.
being ex forces there are a lot of guys with an element of hearing loss. one being my self so I can relate to this post. However there is ear defence issued to everyone but when you are in a contact with the enemy they go out the window. It is a sad reality of life sound levels destroying hearing but a real one. great post and keep it up.
Very informative article. today it can not be separated from the noise either from the factory sound, the sound of the engine. it is the risk of technological developments that had to be in receipt of society. there needs to be the development of research to prevent such things
Thanks for the article
Greetings from Spain
Thank you for post. Nice Post!
Keep it up
Interesting post! This usually happens while wedding celebrations. Must be conscious while celebrating and should focus on controlling noise. Can refer to some inspirations for planning and managing wedding so that should not focus on much noises. Thanks
Thank you so much for this article!
Thanks for the article
Keep up the good work. Interesting article!
a friend lost 50% of their hearing by listening to music at maximum volume, you have to be careful with these issues
The body of all of audiology practice work is based on noise and sounds. The goal is to bring the most dynamic sound portfolio possible, to those who cannot experience it naturally. To understand how to amplify noise and sound, we need to understand how it works.
a friend lost 50% of their hearing by listening to music at maximum volume, you have to be careful with these issues. Agen Judi Online Terpercaya
nice post ..
Wow I wasnt aware of what loud music can do to ones hearing. I manage a music blog, I’ll be sure to share this knowledge with my readers.
Regards
Nkululeko Ngwenya
South Africa
The physique of all of audiology apply work is situated on noise and sounds. The purpose is to convey probably the most dynamic sound portfolio possible, to people who can not experience it naturally. To realize the best way to increase noise and sound, we have to comprehend the way it works.
Belonging to a car wrecker industry we are also expose to high pitch noise all day long. What you recon will this effect also.
It’s a shame that people can lose their hearing doing what they love. Hopefully researchers can come up with a way to help these poor people soon.
– Marcus
Keep doing the good work.
Really appreciable and great job admin, keep doing the good work.
Gary, I suffered from tinnitus too, it was a very long suffering, almost five years long, until I decided to see an othrhinolaringologist who prescribed me a medicine that cured me into months of using it. I know, it was a long period, but now I am completely cured. I stopped to hear those annoying zoom into my ears. I recommend you to do the same, any doctor specialized in ears can help you.
I’m very excited, I’ve known the site a long time and I’m loving it!
Congratulations!!!
Interesting and informative , thank you for sharing the blog.
I appreciate your work, thanks for all the interesting blog posts.
Wow I wasnt aware of what loud music can do to ones hearing. I manage a music blog, I’ll be sure to share this knowledge with my readers.
I think University Pep Bands often play music > 100 dba average for more than 2 hours during basketball games. I think some one should try and protect the hearing of the 40-50 18-22 year old students
This is so much interesting and informative. i appreciate your work. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Thank you for this article! If I could get permission, I’d love to post this on our blog for our music store. I spent a few years playing guitar in a band that was playing entirely too loud and have suffered tinnitus as a result for over 20 years now because of it. A little extra care would’ve saved a lot in the long run.
Please feel free to repost this on your blog. You might be interested in another blog “Turn it Down: Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders Among Musicians” and the document “Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders among Musicians” We would appreciate it if you would link to our blog so we can continue to receive comments from readers. Also, please send us your blog url.
Keep sharing..the good work.
In my business I know all about music-induced hearing loss. Unless you are prepared ahead and go to your family ENT to get earplugs fitted, you slowly suffer thru the years working in music venues day in day out. I spent a pretty penny getting a nice pair made and still don’t use them, Shame on me.
Hearing protection is one of the options musicians have to protect their hearing from hearing loss and tinnitus, but not the only one. In a more recent blog we offered information on strategies musicians and others who work exposed to music can individually adopt, from the document Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders among Musicians. Getting to know more about your exposure in terms of intensity and duration, and managing it are other important strategies. The document also identifies actions that employers, music venue operators, schools and colleges, and anyone responsible for music-related activities should consider.
its nice and good blog
Nice information.
keep sharing good work
Thank you for sharing the content
Thank you for giving this useful information.
This is an important and informative article highlighting the risks of hearing loss from loud music. As both a musician and music lover, I appreciate the practical tips provided, such as using musicians’ earplugs, taking breaks, and being aware of sound exposure time.
I think the key point is that hearing loss is permanent, but also largely preventable if we are proactive. The suggestions for engineering controls in venues and educational outreach are excellent ideas. As the article mentions, changing attitudes and behaviors around hearing protection use is challenging, but public awareness campaigns can make a real difference over time.
It’s promising that newer technologies like specialized earplugs allow us to continue enjoying music while protecting hearing. Overall, this post succeeds in warning about risks while also empowering musicians and fans to preserve their ability to participate in the art form they are passionate about. Our hearing is precious, but also fragile, so taking smart precautions benefits both individuals and the musical community as a whole. Thank You