Musicians are more susceptible to hearing loss than non-musicians. Noise-induced hearing loss (tinnitus) can be triggered by the bang of the drums, loudspeaker blare, or thump from the bass.
While musicians can now use high-quality earplugs to protect themselves against high volume, many older musicians have already suffered the consequences.
These musicians have made it public by revealing their struggles with hearing loss and tinnitus.
Neil Young
The 1992 album “Harvest Moon” was recorded by Neil Young, a superstar. It is a more gentle album than his previews. He stated to MOJO magazine that “he didn’t want any loud sounds.” Although I have some tinnitus left, I am not as sensitive to loud sounds now as I was a year ago after the mixing of “Weld” [in 1991]. Although my hearing isn’t perfect, it’s still good.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins, who had a legendary music career, decided to retire in 2011 citing health issues. Collins lost his hearing in his left ear, which was one of his major health issues. Later Collins returned to music with a focus upon composing.
Chris Martin
According to Coldplay’s musician, “Looking after your ears can be a difficult thing to think about until you have a problem.” Since I began protecting my ears, my tinnitus has not gotten worse over the past 10 years. It’s a shame, but I wish I had thought of it sooner.
Peter Townsend
Peter Townsend is well-known for his time with “The Who”, and he speaks out about his hearing loss. He often blames it on Studio headphones.
Tinnitus and hearing loss affect not only rock ‘n’ roll icons.Classical musicians may also be at risk. Finnish studies of classical musicians revealed that 15% of them had hearing loss. 41% of the musicians were affected by temporary tinnitus during rehearsals. These statistics aside, less than 25 percent of the musicians who studied hearing protection used it.
It is possible to avoid noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Talk to a hearing professional if you are a musician about protecting your ears from excessive noise.
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