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Auditory Training

Musician'sHearing 
Health

Music-Induced Hearing Loss (MIHL)

MIHL is a type of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) that occurs due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds, happens when the sound levels exceed a certain threshold, damaging the hair cells in the inner ear, specifically in the cochlea. It is one of the most common hearing injuries musicians would get.

"Fun" Facts about MIHL

•MIHL is PERMANENT and NOT reversible​

•Hearing damage can be CUMULATIVE​

•Most MIHL happens GRADUALLY and PAINLESSLY

Symptoms of MIHL

•Tinnitus: often one of the first signs of hearing damage)

•Muffled or Distorted sound: music or speech may sound unclear

•Headache: might not completely caused by sound but could be part of the reason!

•Hyperacusis: an increased sensitivity to sounds, often making normal everyday noises unbearable or even painful

•Diplacusis: one pitch sound like different pitches to each ear or as different pitches in the same ear

•Influence Localization: have a hard time determining where a sound is from

•Influence Specificity: have a hard time discerning sounds when there is background sound

•Hearing Loss: over time of accumulation, if no preventions are taken, it will lead to permanent hearing loss

Causes of MIHL

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Based on National Institute For Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Guidelines for Daily Noise Exposure

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Sound Level & Exposure Time

As sounds become louder than 85 dBA, for each 3 dBA increase in noise level, the noise level is twice louder, NIOSH recommends reducing the exposure duration by half.

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https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/noise.html

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www.dangerousdecibels.org

Instruments & Decibels

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Preventions for MIHL

1) Self-Checking

•Self-Diagnosis

•Noise Sources

•Decibel Calculation: Noise Meter Calculator

Noise Meter Calculator

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https://www.noisemeters.com/apps/exposure-calculator/

2) Apps for Decibel Measurement

  • In the "Health" app listeners can activate the "Headphone Audio Levels" data tracker to monitor their headphone volume level and duration. This information can be used to create safer listening experiences. (iOS)

  • In the Settings app, "Sounds & Haptics" section, listeners can click on "Headphone Safety" to enable "Reduce Loud Sounds." Your iPhone will analyze the output level of your headphones and reduce levels above your set limit (85 dB is standard). (iOS)

  • App: Headphone Volume Monitoring (iOS)

  • SoundMeter (iOS & Android)

  • Decibel X (iOS & Android)

  • Volume Limiter Apps (Android)

Decibel Self-Test

  • 85 dB or above: requires you to raise your voice to be heard by someone 3 feet away

  • 95 dB or above: likely have to shout to be heard by someone 3 feet away

3) Wear Hearing Protection

  • Etymotic Research Musician’s Earplugs (ER-20XS)

  • EarPeace Musician Earplugs

  • V-Moda Faders VIP Earplugs

  • Earasers Earplugs

  • OR earplugs with Active Noise Canceling (ANC)

4) Practice Tips for Musicians

  • Organists only: Practice with soft stops when studying the notes (8-foot flute)

  • Organists only: Practice on dead manuals

  • Alternate repertoire: soft—loud—soft—loud….

  • Organists only: Measure the decibels at the peak spots, and then practice piston changes on a soft setting

  • Hum (Horvath, 2010)

  • Adjust practice session with a loud rehearsal session

  • Organists only: Be aware of the venue and organ structures

5) Educate Oneself and Others

Educate ourselves, conductors, directors, composers, collaborative musicians, colleagues, and students about injury and hearing loss prevention.

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