Loud sound is an environmental byproduct of being a musician - any kind of musician. While everyone always looks to rock bands as the loudest culprits, concert violinists actually have the most hearing loss, thanks to being located directly in front of the brass section in the orchestra.For guitar players, it used to be that you had to really crank your amp in order to get that nice overdrive distortion and sustain, but those days are mostly over now that it's fairly easy to dial that in on most amps at whatever volume you want. That said, anyone who's ever played with a powerhouse drummer knows that you have to turn it up just to compete onstage, unless of course you're in a situation where you're wearing in-ear monitors.
That's why this infographic is so interesting. It shows just how many people (especially young people) have some hearing loss thanks to their passion. The part of the chart that stick out is the "Signs of hearing loss in humans" which reads:
- Ear pain, itching or irritation
- Muffled hearing
- Pus or fluid leaking from the ear (Ewww)
- Tinnitus (ringing, roaring, hissing or buzzing in the ear)
- Difficulty distinguishing words that people are saying
If any of these are happening to you, go see a doctor as soon as you can.
Remember that everyone around music or a loud environment should consider ear protection. I suggest the Etymotic Research ER20 ETY's. They're inexpensive and cut the level down without changing the frequency response. Since I found them, I won't go anywhere without them.
Otherwise, enjoy the chart.
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5 comments:
Huh?
I sometimes get tinnitus too. I don't play a lot of music, but I do listen to music a lot in the 90db+ range. My sound meter only goes to 90db, so I can't be sure.
Can you post the source of this chart? I'd like to see a larger version if possible.
It comes from here - http://www.robynsonlineworld.com/2013/03/hearing-loss-and-musicians-infographic/
Several years ago I took the plunge and began using an in-ear monitor system and wish I'd done it much sooner. The freedom it provides on stage is wonderful with the very valuable added benefit of preserving your hearing.
The 'isolation' does take getting accustomed to, but if it's too disconcerting that can easily be resolved by mic'ing the audience, etc. into your own in-ear monitor mix as well.
Not only can one clearly and safely hear everything they need to, at their own preferred volume levels, but can easily sing all night without any vocal strain.
Plus the added relief of humping even less back-breaking gear to one's gigs, re: floor wedge monitors.
I'll never perform without an in-ear monitor system again. Your hearing is too precious to risk unnecessary damage to and the benefits far outweigh any possible disadvantages.
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