Photo credit: Quốc Bảo
by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
The Nature (UK) publication Scientific Reports published a paper based on research done in Germany that surveyed about 400 amateur musicians and 400 professional musicians. A number of studies cited in the paper confirm the obvious: musicians playing all types of music are at greater risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss than the general population.
Percussionists and horn players are at greater risk than those playing string instruments. The findings revealed that musicians are generally aware that the music they make can damage their hearing, but they don’t always use hearing protection. The reasons for non-use include interference with performance, peer pressure and lack of concern.
I hope this paper spurs music schools, conservatories and music programs at colleges and universities to do more about protecting young musicians’ ears. I’m going to contact the researchers and suggest that they use the same methods to learn more about hearing health literacy among the general public.
Whether one is a musician, a woodworker, a hunter, or just someone going about his or her everyday life, protecting hearing is simple and inexpensive. If it sounds loud, it’s too loud and one’s auditory health is at risk. Turn down the volume, leave the noisy environment or use hearing protection. If one is regularly exposed to noise, it might be a good idea to spend a little more money on custom fitted earplugs.
