Metallica does it and will.i.am wishes he had done it. It may seem counter-intuitive for a musician to wear earplugs, but as veteran rockers like Neil Young, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck suffer from noise induced hearing loss, younger musicians are getting smarter about protecting their ears.
Damage to hearing from noise is cumulative and permanent. It usually happens by regular, long-term exposure to loud noises like concerts. For example, the ringing or buzzing sound in your ear after a great concert is a warning sign of overexposure to loud noise. Audiologists recommend packing a pair of earplugs so you’ll be able to actually hear music well into your old age.
Wearing earplugs to a concert? It doesn’t make sense.
Enter the musician’s earplug.
Musician’s earplugs are designed to lower volume without distorting sound. The earplugs are usually custom made, which means an impression is made of the ear canal so the plugs won’t be too loose. Sound remains natural, and high-quality, without being damaging to the ear.
Musician’s plugs aren’t only for musicians. The Beatles producer, George Martin, was forced to retire because he could no longer hear sound properly. Sound crews, recording engineers, bar employees and music lovers would be wise to protect their hearing. Those outside of the music scene can benefit too, from motorcyclists, construction workers and spectators at loud sporting events. Anyone who requires sound to be clear (and therefore can’t wear regular earplugs), but needs to protect his or her hearing at the same time would do well to invest in a pair of these plugs.
For more information about musician’s earplugs, contact Kawartha Hearing Care Inc. As a musician, recording artist and audiologist, owner Doran Hayes knows how to enjoy music and protect hearing at the same time. She created the 3P*Music to your Ears program, which focuses on protection, prevention and performance. The program provides hearing screenings and noise education, and is in demand by individuals, sound studios, symphonies and music schools. To learn more visit www.kawarthahearingcare.com and let the music play.