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DO MUSIC TEACHERS NEED TO WEAR HEARING PROTECTION?
The law states that an employer has to supply hearing protection if an employee is exposed to noise levels above 80 decibels daily, for 8 hours or more. Above 85 decibels use of hearing protection is a mandatory requirement. As noise level increases, safe exposure time reduces. Richard Moss comments; “It is a fact that budding musicians who are beginners and experimenting with loud instruments, such as a clarinet or drums for example, have less developed technical abilities and tend to blast away much louder than skilled professionals who have mastered the capability of their chosen instrument, therefore, the potential risk to music teachers is that continuous repeated exposure could mean permanent ear damage”. Research has shown that the Cornet is actually the loudest and most potentially damaging instrument, as played with exuberance it can reach in excess of 140 decibels, with just one blast being enough to cause permanent ear damage! That’s a lot of noise in a classroom, and standing in the direct line-of-fire from instruments such as the flute, oboe or saxophone could mean that music teachers who work in this environment on a daily basis, could potentially be at risk from noise induced hearing loss after just 15 minutes of exposure. Standing next to the school band is even more dangerous, groups of student instrumentalists practicing an out-of-tune version of Amazing Grace for the tenth time, could mean that hearing protection should be compulsory. And the conductor isn’t safe either! Ear damaging sound levels have been measured at the conductor’s position in school bands, where standing in front of a brass, woodwind or percussion orchestra, can only be done safely without ear protection for just 15 minutes. “I know I’m not as qualified as Simon Cowell when it comes to judging tuneful levels of music”, said Richard, “but I have experienced first-hand the effect of noise induced hearing loss, through the number of clients I see at the Oxford Hearing Centre whose hearing has been permanently damaged, or is deteriorating, as a result of listening to, or playing, loud music and instruments. “I-Pods and MP3 Players for example, are going to be one of the biggest cause of hearing loss in the future for the young generation, because they do not associate, or recognise, the risk of playing loud music now, with the potential for going deaf when they get older. “You only have to look at the number of famous musicians whose hearing has been damaged by their craft to understand the risk. Phil Collins for example, has spoken about the hearing loss he has developed as a result of his chosen profession”. Bob Pritchard, a long standing client of Oxford Hearing Centre, and a professional orchestral player and music teacher of 32 years said; ”Whether as a result of my music teaching or playing, I’m sure that some element of my hearing loss is down to my profession. Many musicians do appreciate that it can be an occupational hazard, and more and more of them are now seeking professional advice when it comes to hearing protection and conservation, as clearly prevention is a better option than cure” The advice is aimed at protecting workers, but the HSE says consideration should be given for the use of hearing protection for both music teachers and students to protect their hearing during ‘loud’ lessons. For music teachers, it is imperative that both pitch and tone are not affected, and therefore, it is important to find the right hearing protection. Professional, flat, attenuating, hearing protectors that allow the wearer to hear clearly but at a reduced volume are widely available. They act like volume controls for the ears – unlike standard earplugs which just muffle sound – so teachers can still hear the nuances and accuracy of their students’ performances. But without all the blast! “So if there are any music teachers, or budding musicians, out there in Oxford who have concerns about their hearing healthcare”, says Richard, “then we invite them to come along to the Oxford Hearing Centre for a free hearing screening, and then we can help advise on whether hearing protection is something you may need to consider, especially if you are going to be a mentor for the next Girls Aloud or Boyzone”!
Oxford Hearing Centre www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk |
