Musicians and music lovers alike cannot live without their music. For those who are affected by not protecting their ears, REM Audiology Associates cater to their individual style. You get fitted according to your needs and have a choice of many different styles to try on in the office for your convenience.
Here is some information to let you know how serious this is. Four in nine musicians suffered from hearing loss greater than 30 dB. A study by Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers, H.E.A.R. indicated that 86 percent of musicians and concertgoers are affected by ringing and buzzing sounds. A rule of thumb to go by for the health of your hearing, would be "The louder it gets the shorter the time they should be exposed to it before damage sets [in] or permanent hearing loss." quoted by Dr. Rise Padeni, an Audiologist at All Children's Hospital.
Future Sonics
REM Audiology Associates offer Future Sonics in both custom fit and universal models. Custom fit models are better, because they’re molded to fit your ear whereas the universal model is more of an average size monitor tipped with foam, rubber, or plastic; it still has a tight seal but is not molded to the shape of your ear. Another pro for the custom fit model is that it can handle higher levels of sound than the universal. Deciding on which model to use would depend on your needs and how often you will use the monitor.
Ear Plugs/Molds
Musicians ear plugs are basically calibrated ear molds that can reduce sound intensity by a controlled amount. There is much less risk in using molds or plugs rather than foam ear plugs which might not work every time due to the plug not being far enough in the canal every time.
Musicians’ earplugs are generally "flat" so that bass and treble notes are not relatively favored, thus distorting perception. Conventional earplugs reduce high frequencies more than low and mid frequencies, which make music and voices sound muffled or unclear. Musicians’ earplugs are designed to reduce all frequencies instead of just high or low frequencies. Drummers should use the highest rating of Musicians’ ear plugs and guitarists and vocalists can use the lower ranges. These apply to musicians off the stage as well such as members of a school band or even concert goers. Ear plugs are also available for iPods and use with MP3 players. These ear molds provide two main advantages over ear plugs: 1) the custom fit makes them more comfortable and less likely to fall out of ones ears and 2) they reduce the amount of ambient noise so that the volume of the music player doesn’t need to be set as high.
The best advice for parents to give their children in any given situation that involves decibels above the normal range is to ensure their children protect their hearing. Wear those earplugs or monitors; whatever it takes to keep your hearing in good health. Protect your ears; you don’t want to cause damage that’s going to result in hearing loss later in life. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Musicians should contact REM Audiology for ear protection for anyone including musicians in your school.
Ear Monitors
When musicians are on stage, it would be sensible to wear ear monitors. In wearing these, they can adjust the level of sounds they may hear around them. It’s good to use these because you tend not to strain your vocal cords as much so if you’re on tour, your voice will last longer. It’s also good for not spending money and time on putting up floor monitors. Just think, all you have to do is adjust the sound level and you’re ready to go! It’s important to know that all kinds of performers should wear two ear monitors as opposed to one. It uses lower actual volume levels to achieve the same perceived volume. Also, it helps to ensure the protection in both of your ears.
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