I can still remember when it was music to my ears listening to my favorite rock bands in concert while they cranked-out the volume at deafening levels. The louder the better as far as I was concerned. I loved being emersed by the waves of sound moving in, out and around me.
These days, I find that even though I still enjoy rock music, it is no longer music to my ears when the volume is too loud. But what, you may ask, is too loud? Isn’t this a rather subjective experience that will differ from person to person?
Well, as a matter of fact, the answer is no. According to one article I read, exposure to sound that measures above 125 decibels, for even a few seconds, can damage your hearing. Musicians are at greater risk than the average person because of their prolonged, continuous exposure during rehersals and performances. It has been estimated that as many as 30 percent of musicians who play rock music lose their hearing. And, surprising as it may seem, hearing loss among classical musicians is even greater- as high as 52 percent.
Some beginning signs of hearing loss are hypersensitivity to sound, ringing in the ears, and trouble distinguishing between sounds, such as consonants (p,t,b,d) or pitch. Small reusable foam ear plugs can help protect your hearing. They are easy to carry in a pocket, purse or gig-bag too, that way you can have them available at all times.
Using some basic common sense, such as turning down your amp volume when practicing or teaching, will help you to avoid hearing loss. If you absolutely must be exposed to loud volumes, giving your ears 14-16 hours of quiet rest after exposure, can help relieve any temporary distortion you might experience.
Today I would describe enjoyable music to my ears as being at a volume that is safe, comfortable and easy to listen to. As a guitar player and teacher, my ears are an important part of my life, and I want to protect them as long as possible. Hearing loss for me, as a musician, might be summed up in Jim Morrison’s verse on The Doors album …
“When the music’s over, turn out the light”
Permanently.
Instead of playing that scenerio, I’d rather just turn the volume down a notch or two.
Until next time,
Keep practicing!
guitarcoach
February 7, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I tend to find if I’m listening to music on high quality speakers I’m able to listen to music louder.
The reason is that there is almost zero distortion and it’s the distortion in the signal that we often perceive as “loudness”, so you’re actually able to listen to music at high amplitude without it being too loud…
if that makes sense