Musicians experience significant sound exposures, and according to Chasin,1 most will develop some degree of music-induced hearing loss. Other professionals in the music industry (eg, audio engineers, recording engineers, managers, disk jockeys, etc) also experience significant sound exposures, and they are also at risk for cochlear damage and hearing loss.
Perhaps even more damaging than hearing loss are the secondary effects that often accompany it or occur in isolation: tinnitus, diplacusis, and hyperacusis. Most professionals involved in hearing care are familiar with tinnitus, the perception of noise (ringing, etc) in the ears. However, fewer of us may routinely recognize diplacusis, a pathological matching of frequency and pitch that ultimately results in some notes sounding flat; due to this, diplacusis can be career-threatening to those in the music industry. Hyperacusis, a reduced tolerance of suprathreshold sound, is also career-threatening to those in the music industry. In the hyperacousic ear, sounds that are easily tolerated by most people (eg, laughter, a telephone ring, or live music) are uncomfortable or intolerable.
There are no known cures for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), tinnitus, diplacusis, or hyperacusis; early identification of auditory dysfunction and prevention of cochlear damage is the only viable treatment at this time.
Damage-Risk Criteria
The intensity and duration of sound exposure for those in the music industry varies widely. Asymmetrical exposures and asymmetrical hearing loss are common. When determining exposure levels and risk factors, all noise exposure must be considered: that sustained in practice, rehearsal and performance, as well as non-occupational noise exposure.
In terms of general risk, the music genre itself is irrelevant; the risk for cochlear damage and hearing loss exists for all types of music. It should be noted that musicians located near percussion instruments (eg, drums) and brass instruments (eg, trumpet, trombone), as well as those located near amplifiers, tend to have higher exposures.
According to the 1983 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard,2 the average person can be exposed to 95 dBA of noise for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week without undue risk of developing a permanent hearing loss over a 40-year time span (Table 1). The OSHA standard uses a 5 dB time-intensity trade-off (also known as the “exchange rate”): for every 5 dB increase in the noise level, the allowed exposure time is reduced by half (concomitantly, for every 5 dB decrease in the noise level, the allowed exposure time doubles). With only 10 dB of hearing protection, the noise exposure of a person in 95 dB of noise is reduced to 85 dB, which is considered safe for 16 hours per day.
The 1998 National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) damage-risk criteria3 are more conservative, and use a 3 dB time-intensity trade-off (Table 1). Under the NIOSH standard, an individual could be exposed to a 95 dBA sound level for only 45 minutes per day. With 10 dB of hearing protection (an actual exposure level of 85 dB), the same person could be in a 95 dBA environment for 8 hours per day, 5 days a week.
It is difficult to directly apply either the OSHA or NIOSH recommendations to predict safe levels of noise exposure for those in the music industry, due to the spectral differences of music compared to industrial noise, the intermittent nature of music exposures, and rest periods. However, damage-risk criteria are helpful in providing a general estimate of the amount of hearing protection needed, and it is important to note that many people do not need much hearing protection (often less than 15 dB) to dramatically reduce the risk of significant hearing impairment.
The Problem with Conventional Earplugs
If 10 dB of hearing protection is good, wouldn’t more protection be even better? The answer is “not always.” Protecting the hearing of those in the music industry isn’t as simple as providing industrial-type hearing protectors and counseling on the importance of their use. In fact, conventional hearing protectors can cause significant problems for those in the music industry, because they produce: 1) Too much high frequency attenuation (unbalanced attenuation); 2) too much attenuation overall; and 3) too much occlusion effect:
• Too much high-frequency attenuation. Inserting an earplug into the ear removes the ear’s natural resonant peak (approximately 17 dB at 2700 Hz in the average ear). This insertion loss, when combined with the earplug’s attenuation characteristics, results in a net treble deficiency of 15-20 dB,4 which causes music and voices to sound muffled.
Most musical instruments have a significant amount of energy above 1000 Hz, with harmonics that are more intense than the fundamental.1 These high frequency harmonics are vital to accurate loudness perception, and they also contribute to the richness of the music. Earplugs with too much high frequency attenuation destroy the tonal balance, which can result in mishearing or overplaying to compensate for the lack of high frequency sound heard through the earplugs.
• Too much attenuation overall. Musicians need to hear, and hear well, while they play. Standard industrial-type hearing protectors not only muffle sound, they often provide too much attenuation; deeply inserted foam earplugs can provide 30-40 dB of sound reduction when far less is needed to protect hearing.
Excessive attenuation may also result in mishearing or overplaying. Drummers, for example, may be unable to monitor the level of play and sustain wrist and arm injuries from striking the drums too forcefully.
• Too much occlusion effect. Occlusion effect is an increase in sound pressure level at the eardrum in the occluded ear compared to the open ear, for sounds generated by the user (eg, vocalist, brass, or woodwinds). When a musician sings or blows into the mouthpiece of an instrument, the sound is conducted via the jaw to the bone surrounding the inner portion of the ear canal. With standard earplugs, this results in an elevated sound pressure level behind the hearing protector. This elevated level, experienced over several hours of rehearsal or performance, may put the musician at risk for overexposure and lead to tinnitus and hearing loss. Occlusion effect can be greatly reduced with earplugs that seal deeply in the bony portion of the ear canal.
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| FIGURE 2. Example of flat attenuation of sound levels by an average of 15 dB as provided by the ER-15 earplug. | FIGURE 3. The ER-20, jointly developed by Etymotic Research and Aearo Corp, is designed as a “catch-all” affordable non-custom earplug that provides 20 dB of flat attenuation for musicians. |
It should be noted that occlusion effect isn’t always a problem; if the musician isn’t a vocalist or horn player, occlusion may not be an issue. Sometimes a bit of occlusion effect is desirable for vocalists as an aid in self-monitoring. In this case, a slightly shorter plug that doesn’t seal quite as deeply may be more appropriate. However, for the majority of individuals, a deeply sealed earplug is the best option.
History and Design of High-Fidelity Hearing Protection
The world’s first high-fidelity hearing protector was designed and patented by the late Elmer Carlson, an engineer at Knowles Electronics for 40 years. Carlson’s design replicated the natural response of the open ear so that sound heard through the earplugs would retain the same quality as the original. In 1985, Mead Killion, PhD, president and founder of Etymotic Research, concluded that there was a real need for Carlson’s earplug design, based on his consulting work with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Etymotic Research trademarked the name “Musicians Earplugs” in 1985 (Figure 1).
Musicians Earplugs™ have two parts: an attenuator button and a deeply fitted custom earmold. The patented attenuator buttons have a diaphragm that functions as an acoustic compliance, while the volume of air in the sound bore of the earmold acts as an acoustic mass. The combination of the two produces a resonance at approximately 2700 Hz (as in the average normal ear) resulting in a smooth, flat attenuation across frequencies (Figure 2). Shortly after the introduction of Musicians Earplugs, Etymotic Research and Aearo Corp jointly developed the ER-20, an affordable non-custom high-fidelity earplug that provides 20 dB of flat attenuation (Figure 3).
Options and Guidelines for Choosing Hearing Protection
For the Musicians Earplugs, interchangeable attenuators are available in three values: 9 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB. The ER-15 provides 15 dB of attenuation, and is the highest-fidelity hearing protector available in the world today. Music heard through these plugs retains the same quality as the original, only quieter. The ER-25 attenuator was developed at the request of musicians with the highest sound exposure (typically drummers and high-intensity rock musicians) and provides a near-uniform 25 dB attenuation. The ER-9 was also developed at the request of musicians; in this instance, to provide less attenuation than the ER-15. The ER-9 provides 9 dB of attenuation in the low frequencies and 14-15 dB at high frequencies.
Table 2 provides guidelines as to which attenuators to use, depending on the type of sound exposure. Note that non-custom ER-20 earplugs are recommended in all situations, indicating that no one should go without hearing protection.
With Musicians Earplugs, the user typically has one set of earmolds but two or three sets of attenuators for use in different environments. The optimal attenuator is the one that provides the minimum amount of attenuation that will reduce sound exposures to a safe level.
A musician may even choose to use different attenuators for each ear. The author once fitted a guitarist who routinely used an ER-15 in one ear, and an ER-25 in the other. The ear with the ER-25 earplug was closer to the drums, so the stronger filter afforded him greater protection without causing him to feel unbalanced.
Role of Manufacturers
To ensure that musicians receive the correct amount of attenuation from Musicians Earplugs regardless of where they are purchased, each attenuator button is tested for proper resistance and compliance values at Etymotic Research, and earmold laboratories adhere to rigorous requirements when making the earmolds. Earmold labs are required to use an acoustic mass meter to verify that the earmolds have the correct volume of air in the sound bore to produce flat attenuation when the filter buttons are attached. Etymotic Research monitors and regularly re-certifies earmold labs to make Musicians Earplugs earmolds.
Role of Hearing Care Professionals
Fitting hearing protection to those in the music industry should be part of a comprehensive program of audiological management. Musicians often require a higher level of care than other patients. Comprehensive baseline audiological testing and regular monitoring are essential to the musician’s continued hearing health. Otoacoustic emissions are particularly important because OAE testing can detect outer hair cell damage (caused by high sound exposure) before any changes are evident on the audiogram.
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TABLE 2. Recommended earplugs relative to the type of instrument or sound sources encountered by the musician, teacher, or technician. Chart adapted from Chasin.1
Musicians Earplugs are a custom product that require professional fitting. It is essential that professionals who work with musicians:
- Provide appropriate audiological care including follow up.
- Have a working knowledge of hearing protection suitable for musicians.
- Verify the accuracy and appropriateness of the chosen hearing protection.
Earmold Impression Technique
Musicians Earplugs are among the highest fidelity hearing protectors in the world, but in actuality they’re only as good as the professional fitting them. Long earmold impressions past the second bend of the ear canal are required, so that earmold laboratories can make earmolds that seal in the bony portion of the ear canal. Extra reassurance and care may be necessary when taking long impressions with this population.
In my experience, it is important that the finished earmolds take the musician’s playing style and mouth movements into account. To that end, ask musicians to play or pretend to play their instrument while the impressions are curing. Vocalists should sing; guitarists can play a favorite passage of “air guitar”; horn players can blow on the mouthpiece of their instrument.
Examine the finished impressions carefully. If the impressions do not extend well past the second bend or if there are gaps in the impression, repeat the procedure. Even experienced clinicians remake impressions. Properly fitting earplugs cannot be made from inadequate impressions.
Fitting, Use, and Care of Earplugs
Musicians Earplugs require fitting and orientation. The professional should verify that the earplugs seal the ear, fit comfortably, and can be inserted and removed by the user. A wearing schedule may be necessary for the ear to get accustomed to the earplugs, but earplugs should not cause discomfort or soreness. Ideally, earplugs should be worn for both practice and performance.
With proper care, earmolds and attenuator buttons will last for years. Earmolds and attenuators can be inspected and the physical fit verified each time the user returns for a visit (at least annually). The need for earmold replacement varies greatly among users. When last surveyed, half of the earmold labs reported a preference for silicone earmolds, and the other half reported a preference for vinyl. Either is acceptable. Attenuator buttons are available in clear, beige, red, or blue, and they can be partially or completely countersunk into the earmolds.
Verification of Performance
The attenuation of Musicians Earplugs can be measured using standard real-ear measurement protocols. Insertion loss is the difference between the open-ear response and the response with the Musicians Earplug in place. Occlusion effect can also be measured using real-ear equipment. If the musician complains of occlusion effect, a measurement can help to determine the degree of the problem, as well as to document the effects of any corrective actions. Techniques for these measures are described by Chasin,1,5 Revit,6,7 and Mueller et al.8
Occlusion effect. Occlusion effect is a low-frequency phenomenon, occurring mostly below 500 Hz. An occlusion effect of 20 dB or greater is significant. Reduction of the occlusion effect can be achieved by sealing the earplugs deeply in the bony portion of the ear canal. The only recourse to an occlusion effect problem is to remake the earmold from a new impression in order to improve the seal.
Difficult fittings. Not all ears are created equal. There are cases in which the sound quality or performance of Musicians Earplugs may be compromised (eg, when the user has narrow ear canals). In a narrow ear canal, if the earmold portion of the plug is made long enough to seal past the second bend, the bore diameter isn’t wide enough to provide the necessary high-frequency boost to compensate for insertion loss. As a result, the high frequencies are rolled off. In this case the solution is to shorten the length of the earmolds to allow for a wider bore. This provides the flat attenuation needed for a high-fidelity response, but with one compromise: Occlusion effect is increased due to the shallower depth of the seal.
Conclusion
Increasing numbers of music professionals are becoming aware of the dangers of high sound exposure, and more are seeking help to protect their hearing. The wrong type of hearing protector—or even the right type that isn’t fitted properly—can derail the efforts of even a highly motivated musician. With proper hearing protection and audiologic care, music professionals can continue to enjoy their music while preserving their hearing and their ability to play and perform.
Acknowledgements
The author thanks Gail Gudmundsen, AuD, for editorial assistance in the preparation of this article.
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Correspondence can be addressed to HR or Patty Niquette, Etymotic Research, 61 Martin Lane, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007; email: [email protected].
References
1. Chasin M. Musicians and the Prevention of Hearing Loss. San Diego: Singular Publishing Group Inc; 1996.
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Dept of Labor Occupational Noise Exposure Standard. Publ No 29 CFR 1910.95; 1983.
3. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure—Revised Criteria. Dept of Health and Human Services (NIOSH) Publication No. 98-126; 1998.
4. Killion MC. The Parvum Bonum, Plus Melius Fallacy in Earplug Selection. In: Beilin J, Jensen GR, eds. Proceedings of the 15th Danavox Symposium. Recent Developments in Hearing Instrument Technology; Copenhagen, Denmark: GN ReSound; 1993:415-433.
5. Chasin M. Assessing Musicians. AudioScan App Note. Dorchester, Ontario: Etymonic Design. Available at: www.audioscan.com/resources/appnotes/ AppNote_98-05.pdf; 1998.
6. Revit LJ. Two techniques for dealing with the occlusion effect. Hear Instrum. 1992;43(12):16-18.
7. Revit LJ. Real-Ear Measures. In: Valente M, Hosford-Dunn H, Roeser RJ, eds. Audiology Treatment. New York: Thieme; 2000.
8. Mueller HG, Hawkins DB, Northern JL. Probe Microphone Measurements. San Diego: Singular Publishing Group, Inc; 1992:276-277.
