Wearing ear plugs is something few performing musicians do. We worry about communication and our effectiveness in playing, so we tend to forgo the plugs – but AFTER experiencing Hearing loss is not the time to start worrying about protection. Here are some educational resources to help you protect one of your most valuable musical assets – your hearing!

• Read this article to learn more about the workings of the inner ear, how to recognize hearing loss symptoms, and how to prevent more damage: The Musician’s Guide to Hearing Protection – from a Doctor!
• Read this article to learn about the different types of ear plugs and the components that make them: Musicians’ Hearing Protection: A Review
• Use this resource to find the right ear plug for you: Which Musicians Earplug is Right for You?
• Did you know, sound at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss? What is ALARA? Read about the increase in citizens with hearing loss and learn about steps to effective noise control in our community: What Is a Safe Noise Level for the Public?
• Recently, a viola player in the UK won a compensation case for hearing damage from the horn section of a performance. The volume reached at least 137 decibels. Read the article here.
• Hearing loss can end your career and change how you live your life. Music educators are no exception. Check out some more resources to have on your phone to regulate your classroom rehearsals:
  The Best Phone Apps to Measure Noise Levels
  3 Free Classroom Noise Level Monitors