MUSICIANS WITH NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS …

2 Jan , 2018

MUSICIANS WITH NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS …

(Permanent, the most common cause of hearing loss, yet preventable).

Professional musicians are almost four times as likely to develop noise induced hearing loss as the general public, reveals research. And they are 57% more likely to develop tinnitus—incessant ringing in the ears—as a result of their job, the findings show. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be caused by sudden very loud noise, such as an explosion or gunfire, but it may also develop gradually as a result of repeated exposure to loud noise, suggest the authors of study published in British Medical Journal.

The reason: frequent subjection to loud sound. Over time, loud sound will irreparably damage the hair cells of the inner ear, which a sensory receptors responsible for sending sound to the brain.

NIHL is permanent and most common cause of hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. The damage caused by noise—sensorineural hearing loss—can be caused by several factors. However, NIHL is preventable, which is why protecting our ears and hearing is so important.

The National Institutes of Health reports that about 15% of Americans ages 20 to 69 have high-frequency hearing loss related to occupational or leisure activities. Evidence suggests that loud rock music along with increased use of personal listening devices with earphones may be further contributing to this phenomenon.

BLOCK, WALK, TURN

Hearing Health Foundation’s Safe and Sound program advocates three ways to fight back against excessive noise:

*Block the noise by wearing earplugs or protective earmuffs, like those used by airport or lawn service walkers.

*Walk away from loud noises or limit time spent in noisy environments.

*Turn down the sound – if it’s under your control – on the growing number of tools, toys, and gadgets that add to the increasing noise level of daily life.

Even though musicians are at greater risk for developing hearing loss or tinnitus, the risk can be significantly lessened through the use of protective measures that preserve the sounds and harmony of the music. A hearing specialist can recommend custom musicians’ earplugs or in-ear-monitors to protect your hearing without compromising your musical performance or experience.

Some reasons to consider custom-made earplugs: Typical foam earplugs mute speech and music, and by lessening noise primarily in the hig- frequency range, rather than in the mid- to low-frequency range, music and voices can sound unnatural and unclear. Custom-fit earplugs lower sound more smoothly across frequencies, while also reducing decibel levels, thereby maintaining the all-natural quality of speech and music.

In addition, with foam earplugs, the user will hear a hollowed out sound in their speech when speaking, singing, or playing a musical instrument. This unnatural, muffled sound is referred to as the “occlusion effect.” Custom-fit earplugs are molded to the ear, producing a seal that helps prevent this distracting sound. A Atlantic Hearing can create the perfect protection for your hearing, with custom made and fit, hearing protective earplugs or in-ear-monitors. Contact us for a free hearing screening. Remember, this is the most common form of hearing loss, it is permanent and it is preventable.

Source: The Hearing Health Foundation
Image credit: Pixabay