Music Induced Hearing Loss in the Music Industry

August 13, 2012

Music Induced Hearing Loss (MIHL)

Hearing Protection for Loud Music at ConcertsFrom Eric Clapton to Pete Townsend, the music industry – especially rock music – has several notable musicians who suffer from Music Induced Hearing loss (MIHL).

The only thing worse than enjoying live music and then suddenly cringing in pain from feedback squeals is NOT hearing them. Sitting near a large stack of speakers can leave your ears dull for many hours after a show.

For anyone who has attended a music venue and left with ringing in their ears or muffled hearing afterward, it is no surprise that the noise level at concerts can cause damage. The average decibel (db) level at a rock concert is +110dbs, which is loud enough to cause permanent damage after just 15 minutes.

What Do Musicians Ear Plugs Do?

Unlike industrial noise exposure, there are many sources of hearing trauma in the musical venue. From the previously mentioned feedback and sound checks, to unexpected blasts from speakers, to limiters that are not set correctly, concerts are a veritable landmine of dangerous noise levels. If you work in the music industry, it should be obvious that you need to protect your hearing, but even music enthusiasts or musicians who simply enjoy regular concerts also should consider musicians earplugs as protection at every concert.

At Custom Protect Ear, we have a commitment to our customers to give them the highest quality ear protection available. Our dB Blocker™ hearing protectors are custom fit to each individual for the maximum comfort and the clarity to hear others without having to remove the earplug. This is particularly important for those in the music industry where one needs to protect the ears yet still hear and enjoy music.

dB Blocker™ Sweet Tones Musicians Earpieces

Sweet Tones Musicians Hearing Protection

Our dB Blocker™ Sweet Tones Musicians earpieces are designed for musicians who want to hear sound without distortion but with less volume. If you are also concerned about hearing damage caused by regular use of earphones, we have your solution.

 

Love to Listen to Music with Ear Buds?

dB Blocker Cell Phone Buddy instead of Ear Buds Custom Protect Ear can also pair up your high quality earphones or cell phone headset with a dB Blocker™ earpiece for a comfortable, slip-free fit that protects your hearing and eliminates background noise. A perfect fit for your music enjoyment!

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

April 12, 2012

 

Noise Induced Hearing LossNoise Induced Hearing Loss

According to the National Institute of Health, 15 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have noise induced hearing loss that was caused by exposure to loud noises, either at leisure or at work.

That’s 26 million people in the United States that have trouble hearing high frequency sounds.  That’s 26 million people for whom music sounds poorer and understanding a person speaking can be a challenge.

Temporary Hearing Loss vs. Permanent Hearing Loss

The effects of loud noise exposure may seem temporary when our hearing seems to “return to normal” after a period of time. The fact is that Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can appear to have a temporary effect but long term effects often happen gradually.  Temporary hearing loss results from exposure to loud noises over a short period of time, such as a rock concert or fireworks display. When that happens, sounds may seem muffled. This affect can last from several hours to several days.

Permanent hearing loss can occur suddenly when an extremely loud noise happens close to the ear, such as a gunshot or blast. It can also happen over time when a person is exposed to loud sounds repeatedly over many years. On-the-job (occupational) noise is one of the most common sources of harmful noise, largely because a person is subjected to the sounds all day, every day, for many years.

Noises above 82 decibels cause damage. What is 82 decibels? City traffic that you can hear from inside your car measures about 82 decibels. Many occupational tasks emanate sounds louder than 82 decibels.
For example:

• Power saw at 3 feet away: 110 dB
• Sandblasting: 115 dB
• Pneumatic riveter at 4 feet away: 125 dB
• Power mower at 3 feet away: 107 dB

Now 110 dB doesn’t appear to be that much louder than 82 dB, but at 110 dB you reach your TOTAL daily permissible noise exposure in only 1 minute and 52 seconds. That’s only starting a lawn mower unprotected before hearing damage occurs.

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is 100% Preventable

And are you ready for this? If you have already been exposed to noise levels above the recommended levels, you can stop further damage from occurring. How? The National Institute of Health recommends knowing what sounds occur above 85 dBs, and wearing earplugs or other hearing protective devices.

We are truly concerned about the effects that environmental and occupational noises have on hearing loss. That’s why we started Custom Protect Ear. We are devoted to helping people live healthier lives by preventing noise induced hearing loss in a safe, effective and comfortable way. We encourage you to learn as much about hearing loss prevention as you can, so we invite you to return to our blog where we will provide informative and enlightening articles about hearing, noise levels, ear protection, environmental and occupational noise hazards.