Musicians' hearing conservation

Hearing health is essential for lifelong success as a musician. Musicians rely on their hearing to create music and they use their hearing in ways that are unique to musicians. Due to the nature of the loud sounds they are exposed to, musicians are also at risk for developing hearing loss and other auditory disorders that can have a significant impact on activities of daily life as well as the ability to create and enjoy music. 

Noise or music-induced hearing loss 

One of the biggest risks to your hearing health comes from over-exposure to loud sounds. Noise-induced hearing loss and music-induced hearing loss are forms of permanent hearing loss caused by over-exposure to loud sounds. 

Continuous exposure to loud sounds can overload the sensitive hair cells in the cochlea or inner ear, leading to permanent damage. This damage causes hearing loss in a certain range of frequencies important for speech understanding and often leads to difficulties understanding speech in noisy situations. Hearing loss in these frequencies can also significantly alter the perception of music.

Other noise or music-induced hearing disorders

• Tinnitus, commonly known as “ringing in the ears.”
• Hyperacusis, or painful hypersensitivity to moderate or moderately loud sounds.
• Diplacusis, or problems with pitch perception.
• Dysacusis, or distortions or other alterations to sound quality.

While hearing loss from loud sound exposure is permanent, it is preventable. Developing and following a healthy hearing plan will help preserve your hearing and allow for a life-long career creating, teaching and enjoying music.

What we offer

• Diagnostic hearing evaluations, including: 
  • Extended high frequency audiometry.
  • Speech-in-noise evaluation.
  • Otoacoustic emissions.
• Tinnitus evaluations.
• Education and counseling:
  • Assistance to understand hearing loss and other music-induced hearing disorders.
  • Risk assessment and options for reducing risk of noise or music-induced hearing disorders.
• Selection and fitting of hearing protection and in-ear monitors:
  • Ear impressions for custom ear plugs and in-ear monitors.
  • Recommendations for hearing protection designed for music and musicians (custom and non-custom).
  • Assistance with selection of in-ear monitors.
  • Education on proper use of hearing protection and in-ear monitors.
  • Verification of custom hearing protector and in-ear monitor attenuation.
• Treatment options for musicians with hearing loss and tinnitus:
  • Hearing aids.
  • Personal sound amplification products.
  • Tinnitus masking devices.