Being in a band can be great fun, but it is very important to protect hearing. For musicians, this can be difficult, as they may not remember to protect their ears every time they perform or enjoying live music in the audience. After a concert, they may feel as if they are suffering from muffled hearing or ringing in their ears. These symptoms may indicate the early stages of hearing loss. To preserve hearing, Dr. Cassandra Fynes recommends that musicians be fit for earplugs that protect their ears from sound damage as they perform.
Learning About Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss is a natural process that happens with age, but with daily exposure to very loud music or sounds, this natural hearing loss can accelerate leading to severe hearing loss. An example of when hearing loss can be exacerbated is during a music concert or festival, when the musicians are playing their music. They may be positioned right behind the speakers which can reach up to one hundred and ten decibels. This level is considered dangerous and can lead to permanent hearing loss. Extended exposure to such high decibels will hasten the process leading to premature hearing loss and deafness.
There are no surgeries or medications that can undo sensorineural hearing loss. The best way to prevent sensorineural hearing loss is to wear appropriate protection. This kind of hearing loss can be slowed by use of sound muffling and blocking technology. Dr. Fynes recommends that individuals in bands or performers should be fit for protective earplugs.
Musician Earplugs
Dr. Fynes offers musicians special earplugs that are designed to help filter the sound waves so that precise noises are filtered. For her musician earplugs, she has filters that help tune up to 9, 16, or 25 decibels. Musicians can listen for softer tones while blocking out the damaging louder ones. These special plugs allow musicians to stay in tune without sacrificing their hearing.
The Custom Ear Plug Fitting
Being fit for earplugs is easy and simple. Dr. Fynes will meet with you to measure your inner ear dimensions and decide whether earplugs will help protect your ears the most. She will take a mold of the ear to create a perfect fit. With a precise fit, the correct decibels will be filtered through while blocking dangerous higher ones. Once the custom molded earplugs arrive, she will test them to ensure that you are comfortable with the feel and fit.
