Hearing loss caused by exposure to excessive music volume levels has been a well-documented hazard for the working rock musician since the 1960s and audiences have often reported experiencing post gig ‘buzzing’ in their ears.

It’s an issue that affects all workers in the music and entertainment industry. A 2006 published hearing damage study of Danish orchestras suggests more than 27% of musicians suffer noise induced hearing loss, with 24% suffering from tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Orchestra musicians regularly generate a cumulative 90-95dB. The Control Of Noise at Work Regulations stipulate that the levels of noise exposure which must not be exceeded- called exposure limit values – are 87 dB, daily or weekly! The same law applies in the world of music and entertainment as in other industries.

Although the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 only requires hearing protection for workers only where the average daily or weekly exposure is at or above the threshold, under the Regulations, an employee has a legal duty to wear hearing protection in a hearing protection zone or where instructed. This includes before entering a hearing protection zone (e.g. the stage pit areas at music concerts), and for any duration, no matter how brief. This applies to everyone, e.g. staff, managers, contractors, etc.

There are now specially designed ‘Uniform Attenuation’ (flat response) earplugs for musicians, which enable the full range of frequencies to be heard and are likely to offer more suitable protection against hearing damage for live music performers.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has worked with the music industry to draft a practical guide on hearing loss advice, with the aim of protecting musicians’ hearing. Recommendations include the possible playing of the loudest pieces less often and scheduling performances to allow the musicians recovery time. Other issues will include suitability of venues, orchestra layouts and positioning of the brass section.