NOISE & HEARING LOSS

The above pictures represent the very sensitive outer hair cells of the inner ear. These cells transform sound into an electrical signal, which is sent through the hearing nerve to the brain. Excessive noise exposure may damage the hair cells. Damage to the hair cells is often permanent.

EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS ON MUSICIANS

For musicians, hearing is of particular importance. Hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to loud sound may lead to the following effects:

Less ability to hear musical tones
Lack of perception of timbre, the quality of sound of an instrument or voice
Distortion of balance between instruments
Tinnitus, the sensation of ringing, humming, buzzing sounds in the ears

RECENT STUDIES

Miller, Stewart & Lehman (2007)
- Student musicians ages 18-22
- Results indicate high risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) related to exposure to loud music
Phillips, Shoemaker, Mace & Hodges (2008)
- 110 undergraduate music students at University of North Carolina-Greensboro
- Results show a risk for NIHL in over half the study participants