HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIANS
HOW LOUD IS TOO LOUD?
If any of these levels seem alarming to you, or if you read through this and said "wow my ears are exposed to a lot of loud sounds," then you should consider using hearing protection before exposure to loud sounds occurs.
For example:
If you know that you are going to a concert, make sure to pack hearing protection before going.
If you are going to a basketball game and you are in the pep band, check to make sure you have your hearing protection with you before going to the game.
WHICH INSTRUMENT IS THE LOUDEST?
It depends!
When you are sitting in band practice, look at the instruments that are around you and then look at this table. This table shows the average volume of the instruments that you or your friends could be playing.
Who is the loudest and closest to you?
If you are playing the saxophone loudly, your ears can only handle the volume for 56 seconds before your ears are at risk for damage to occur.
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By wearing hearing protection, your ears can handle that volume much easier and for longer periods of time.
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This is why it is so important for you to wear hearing protection to help protect your ears.
Adapted from:
Chasin, M. (2006). Sound levels for musical instruments. Hear Review, 13 (3), p.34-41.
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OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR EARS?
Wear hearing protection in noisy environments.
Wear hearing protection for concerts, music practices, rehearsals, etc.
Turn the volume of your personal listening devices down so you are able to hear conversation and what is happening around you.
What does hearing loss sound like?
Check out these videos to see the significant impact that a hearing loss can have on your hearing abilities!
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As a musician, you put your ears at risk more than people who are not musicians. In order to continue to hear the same way that you do right now, you should consider using hearing protection devices.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW...
Exceptional Achievement
On the right is a picture of me playing upright bass during a concert performance.
On my right in the photo? A tuba pointed directly at me.
In front of me in the photo? 12 flutists who for this moment all picked up a piccolo for a small period of time.
Was I wearing hearing protection or musicians plugs? No.
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To read more about my story, click the button below.
Citations
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Chasin, M. (2006). Sound levels for musical instruments. Hear Review, 13 (3), p.34-41.