When you are a musician, you could be around loud noises because of your hobby or profession. It could be that you’re playing with friends or performing live on stage; either way, there is a high chance that you will be around loud noises from your speakers or instruments.

Most entertainment venues can get as loud as 110 decibels. Any sound that is above 70 decibels could lead to hearing loss, especially when you are exposed to it for a long time. If you are around 110 decibels for an extended period of time, you should wear ear protection. This means that when you are a musician, it is important for you to find ways to protect your ears and reduce the sound levels that are around you.

Looking after your ears as a musician is about more than just turning the volume down. So why do musicians need to wear special hearing protection?

Why Should Musicians Use Hearing Protection?

You will find that musicians will use hearing protection that is personalized for their ear shape. Ear protection works by physically blocking out any sound waves; this means it reduces the sound level that comes into contact with your ears. If you’re exposed to sound levels around 110 decibels, wearing ear protection can reduce the noise you actually hear to about 90 decibels. While 90 decibels isn’t likely to cause immediate hearing loss, listening at this level for longer than an hour can start to pose a risk to your hearing. Taking breaks from high noise levels, like during pauses in performances or between songs, can help reduce the risk of long-term damage and give your ears a chance to recover.

In most cases, you can buy ear protection from a store or pharmacy. A common form of ear protection is to wear expanding foam earplugs when you are a musician. These can be squeezed so they can fit inside most people’s ears, and they expand so they are able to create a tiger seal. If you require a more customized fit, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist.

What is Special Hearing Protection for Musicians?

Custom earplugs are an excellent choice for musicians who need hearing protection while still maintaining sound clarity. Unlike disposable earplugs, custom options are made to fit each person’s unique ear shape, which ensures a comfortable and stable fit, even during long performances or rehearsals. These earplugs are designed to filter sounds evenly, preserving the natural balance of music without distorting the quality.

Another form of hearing protection can be in-ear monitors. These help to block out loud sounds but enable you to clearly hear your vocals, music tracks or instruments while you are performing. If you are on stage, these are a great choice.

If you are a musician, you need to think about the different ear protections that are available for you to wear to protect your ears from harmful loud noise. If you notice any signs of hearing loss or are interested in custom-fit ear protection, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.