Loud music may sound pleasant, but it can be dangerous for your hearing. Everyday noise is usually at a safe level, but when sounds become too loud, they are dangerous even for a short period. Loud sounds can damage the inner structure of your ears and leave permanent damage.
Musicians, of course, are particularly susceptible to a form of music-induced hearing loss. They are exposed to repeated high-level sound and are at a much higher risk of suffering permanent ear damage.
Here some tips on how to prevent ear damage and what to watch out for.
Symptoms of hearing loss
Thankfully, there are various warning signs for ear damage. If you are a musician, you have probably experienced the sensation of ‘ringing’ ears after a loud gig. That ringing sound is a clear sign of tinnitus, which is 57% more likely in musicians than other people.
Some musicians find that they struggle to speak clearly and understand people in busy environments in early hearing loss. You will probably find yourself asking people to repeat themselves often. Musicians such as Brian Johnson and Chris Martin have suffered from music hearing damage for years. It’s painful, unsettling and frustrating.
How to protect your ears
The best way to avoid ear damage is to protect your ears with plugs. Whether you are using power tools, firearms or mowing grass – wear earplugs to protect yourself from the loud sounds. Make sure the plugs seal well with your ear canals for maximum protection and comfort.
You should also develop a habit of paying attention to the volume of your music. You can use free apps to monitor your music’s dB metre, so you know when it is too loud. Invest in some high-quality headphones and speakers as well. You will thank yourself later.
When to see a specialist
Unfortunately, even earplugs can’t reverse the long term effects of repeated high-level sound exposure. Some acute problems, like swimmers’ ear and ear wax build-up, can be solved with some mineral oil and irrigation. Long term issues, like eardrum perforation, are harder to treat.
Seek advice from a hearing specialist or doctor, if you have a sharp pain in your ear, bloody discharge or trouble hearing. There may be something stuck in your ear – spiders, cotton swabs and a whole host of objects have been found in ear-canals! Or, your eardrum may be damaged, and you need special attention to soothe the pain.
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