The Price of Professional Music: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

For professional musicians, the path to success often comes at a significant cost. One key challenge they frequently face is hearing loss, which can severely impact their career and quality of life. This article explores the experiences of a professional musician, focusing on their personal journey with hearing loss and tinnitus, while also providing insights on the protective measures musicians can take to safeguard their hearing.

My Journey with Hearing Loss

I recently retired after over 50 years of making music in various capacities. Over the years, I have experienced significant hearing loss in the middle frequencies. This means that even when the television volume is at a comfortable level for others, I need to turn it up a couple of notches. Moreover, the world is often a confusing place for me, and I frequently exclaim “Huh?” when I don’t understand something. This issue is compounded by a condition called tinnitus, which has plagued me for decades. It is a constant symphony of sounds, ranging from cicadas and metal crickets to intermittent hisses of steam pipes.

The Origins of My Hearing Problems

According to my past experiences, the root cause of this hearing loss is a combination of amplifiers, loud music, and prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments. The journey back to those days is a stark reminder of the damage done by years of excessive noise. During rehearsals with a symphony orchestra, the sound level reached an alarming 107 decibels, approximately the level of a jackhammer. Sitting in front of the trumpets often led to physical ear pain, a direct consequence of the excessive noise. Furthermore, the lack of proper protection, such as ear protectors, contributed significantly to the damage.

Managing Hearing Loss and Tinnitus

Despite the adversity, I found ways to cope with my conditions. For instance, I found that my ears are about equally defective in terms of hearing. I have a permanent tinnitus in my left ear with 25 dB hearing loss, and 15 dB in my right ear. My tinnitus manifests as a constant background noise, akin to a symphony of cicadas and metal crickets. Surprisingly, sometimes I notice a distinct lack of high-end sound in the ear with higher volume, but the muffled feeling in the other ear compensates for this.

I have always been conscientious about protecting my hearing. Whenever I anticipate being in loud environments, I wear ear protection. Unfortunately, such situations are not frequent in my life, as I have scaled back my professional involvement in recent years. However, I have never taken my hearing for granted. I have my hearing checked every year, and I feel fortunate that I can still appreciate music, albeit in a modified way.

Lessons Learned for Musicians

My experience serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring and professional musicians. While the passion for creating music is invaluable, it is essential to prioritize long-term health. By taking steps to protect one's hearing, musicians can ensure a sustainable and fulfilling career. This may include using ear protectors, limiting exposure to loud environments, and scheduling regular hearing check-ups. Early interventions can sometimes mitigate the impact of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.

In conclusion, the life of a professional musician can be both rewarding and challenging. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive measures, musicians can enjoy their passion while safeguarding their precious hearing. If you are testing your hearing and find that one ear does not hear as well as the other, take it as a wake-up call to prioritize your hearing health. It is not too late to take action and preserve your auditory senses.