SOURCES OF HEARING LOSS
Various factors, including prolonged exposure to loud noise, age, genetics, and certain medical conditions, can cause hearing loss. In young musicians, hearing loss is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to loud music and the effects of which will often not become apparent until later in life. This is why it is so important for children who are around loud music to use hearing protection whenever possible from an early age.
SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS
The symptoms of hearing loss can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include difficulty hearing in noisy environments, ringing in the ears, and muffled speech. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
PREVENTING HEARING LOSS
The best way to prevent hearing loss is to reduce your exposure to loud noises. This can be achieved by wearing hearing protection when you are exposed to loud music, avoiding loud noises when possible, and taking regular breaks from loud activities.
There are three main types of hearing protection: earplugs, earmuffs, and custom-fitted earplugs. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages, and the best type for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
When choosing hearing protection, you should consider factors such as comfort, noise reduction rating (NRR), fit, and ease of use. You should also consider the type of music you play; for example, rock and pop music is usually performed in a much louder environment than classical music due to the use of amplification to make their instruments louder.
For musicians in loud environments, earplugs with a high NRR and a comfortable fit are recommended. We recommend earmuffs for younger musicians as they allow for a better fit and higher protection for small ears. If you would like an earplug option, then a popular choice is silicone earplugs, which provide the best fit and noise reduction; they are easy to use and reusable and often offer custom attenuation levels. We recommend these for older students as they can often be uncomfortable for small ears.