Audiologist Monthly: Managing Hearing Loss For Musicians

Musicians love to create a joyful noise, combining rhythm and melody to move listeners. Unfortunately, this compulsion does more than please audiences. It can leave performers vulnerable to hearing damage and in need of hearing aids.

With countless hours spent practicing or taking the stage, musicians are four times more likely to succumb to noise-related hearing loss or tinnitus than non-musicians. This is because sustained exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound to your auditory nerves.

When a musician sustains hearing loss, they may further amplify their instrument, because they want to hear better or because they can’t perceive how loud their music really is. This can cause further damage to their ears as well as those of fellow musicians, creating a vicious cycle.

Musicians Should Get Their Hearing Tested Regularly

Under OSHA requirements, companies whose workers are exposed to industrial noise of 85 decibels or higher must arrange for employees to have regular hearing exams. There is no such requirement for musicians, who are generally working for themselves anyway.

Musicians should, however, seek help to ensure their hearing hasn’t been impacted by that amp-boosted blend of beats, riffs and runs. You can end the guessing game by making an appointment for a diagnostic hearing exam with Hearing Associates of Las Vegas.

We can tell what kind of hearing loss you’re experiencing as well as the level of your impairment.

Musicians Can Ward Off Hearing Damage

Musicians obviously need hearing protection, but they can’t simply pop in some earplugs. They need to hear their instrument as well as the sounds produced by the musicians with whom they’re collaborating.

We recommend you come to Hearing Associates of Las Vegas to get fitted for high-fidelity earplugs. These are designed especially for musicians to provide protection from high-decimal exposure while still providing a rich musical experience.  

You want to choose a make that sufficiently lowers volume. If you’re a four-on-the-floor rocker, you may need better protection than if you’re a flutist in a chamber ensemble. You also want to wear earplugs that fit properly, so we customize these to fit your ear canal.

If loud music poses a threat to musicians’ ears, it can also diminish the hearing of listeners. If you’re a concert-goer, whether you play music or not, you can also benefit from this kind of sound protection.  

Hearing Aids Can Help Musicians With Hearing Loss And Tinnitus

If your hearing exam reveals you’ve already suffered hearing loss or if you’re plagued by the phantom noise of tinnitus, you don’t have to give up your passion. Our hearing specialists are ready to fit you with hearing aids customized to address your needs.

Technological innovations have helped make hearing aids smaller than ever; many models are virtually imperceptible. Musicians who tend to work up a sweat under the bright lights of the stage should work with our hearing instrument specialists to find hearing aids that are moisture-resistant. You might also want to use hearing aids that can be adjusted via remote control, so you don’t have to pause a show to fumble with them.  

Also, if you’re suffering from tinnitus, some makes and models allow you to wirelessly stream recordings from your iPhone, iPad, TV or mp3 player. This includes the white noise, music, nature sounds or relaxation meditations that help mask the sounds of tinnitus and soothe those with the condition. We even carry hearing aids that include a specific tinnitus therapy feature.  

At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we carry some of the most cutting-edge hearing aids around. If you are in need of hearing aids or other hearing-related services, contact us today, and our board-certified hearing instrument specialist will help get you and your hearing back on track.