(Entertainment-NewsWire.com, December 28, 2012 ) Candler, NC -- A recent study by Capital and Coast District Health Board head audiologist, Dr. Sargunam Sivaraj, showed that nearly 60% of adult orchestral musicians suffer from an increased risk of hearing loss.
The study revealed that 60% of musicians between the ages of 27 and 66 suffer hearing loss, while 22% of musicians between the ages of 18 and 38 as well as 16% of musicians between the ages of 8 and 12 are at greater risk and actually do suffer from hearing loss.
Percussionist Grant Myhill, 50, has suffered from tinnitus since the age of 25, and knows that he could have done more to prevent what he now sees as a detriment to his work. According to Myhill, buzzing noises haunt him the morning after a performance and he has been forced to invest in special musician earplugs that can filter some of the sound out from the dangerous level that most musicians end up encountering. The earplugs cost $300 for Myhill, but are a small price to pay for his hearing.
Having been a professional musician since the age of 12, Myhill said he did not have a clue about the risk to his hearing when he was younger, but warns all young musicians to take precautions to protect their hearing. It is especially important because it is impossible to regain hearing, which is why prevention is the only defense.
“My tests are showing I’m not really any worse than someone my age, but they are surprised I have not lost more hearing,” said Myhill.
According to doctor Sivaraj, there is no specific link between loud music or how long someone has been a musician, but the results show that the two factors significantly increases the chances of progressive hearing loss. He said that the results vary because of the individual strength of ones ears. Some people have “stronger/harder ears,” while others have “weaker/tender ears,” which can skew the results of the study.
Doctor Sivaraj indicated that shorter rehearsals and frequent breaks from music could be beneficial for musicians looking to preserve their hearing. He also suggested that people, not just musicians, stay away from consistent exposure to loud situations such as gun ranges, nightclubs, and loud concerts because like anything, too much of one thing is not good for you.
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