Being a musician means living in a rich and stimulating sound environment. But it also means being exposed for extended periods to high sound levels, which can have consequences on hearing. Hearing disorders among musicians are very real, but they remain a topic that can sometimes be difficult to address within the community.
Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to high sound levels can lead to hearing loss, which generally appears first in the high frequencies, particularly around 4000 Hz. Among musicians, asymmetric hearing loss may be more frequent, and other hearing loss configurations may appear depending on the instrument played, the musical genre, and the acoustic conditions of performance.
Tinnitus : Tinnitus is a sound perceived in the ear that is not present in the environment. It can be continuous or intermittent and is the most commonly reported hearing disorder among musicians. Tinnitus can be a sign of auditory damage. It can be especially disruptive in daily life and can affect concentration during musical performances.
Sound tolerance disorders and hyperacusis: Musicians may also report an increased sensitivity to certain sounds.
Diplacusis: This auditory disorder is characterized by a change in frequency perception, typically manifesting as the same sound being perceived differently in each ear.
Dysacusis: This auditory disorder is defined by a loss of clarity or quality of sounds.
In a standard hearing evaluation, an audiologist mainly assesses the frequencies necessary for speech understanding, ranging from 250 to 8000 Hz. For a musician, however, the ear must perceive much finer nuances than those used in speech. This is why a traditional audiogram is not always sufficient to accurately reflect a musician's auditory reality.
Testing hearing thresholds at very high frequencies, from 9000 to 16000 Hz, makes it possible to detect early hearing loss. Otoacoustic emission testing can also assess the integrity of the hair cells in the inner ear.
Prevention : Musicians are still not sufficiently aware of the importance of hearing health. Before these disorders appear, it is possible to implement various preventive strategies to reduce risks. The first step is being well-informed about the dangers of sound exposure in musical settings.
Hearing monitoring : It is highly recommended to undergo regular hearing assessments in order to detect any changes early and take preventive action.
Hearing protection : Wearing hearing protection is a simple and effective solution to reduce the sound levels musicians are exposed to. Today, there are several types of hearing protection specifically designed for musicians.
Musician earplugs with filters: Passive earplugs with a frequency filter adapted to the instrument being played.
In-ear stage monitors: Custom or universal in-ear monitors used by performing artists and professionals in the music and sound industry. They are often used on stage to replace traditional loudspeaker monitors (wedges).
Rehabilitation : If a musician is living with a hearing disorder, solutions are also available. Rehabilitation programs are offered to better manage tinnitus or hyperacusis. In some cases, hearing aids can also help improve hearing and maintain good communication quality in everyday life.
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