PHOTO : MOLONEY FILM
Dr . Santucci says that for any musicians who are reluctant to wear hearing protection , he recommends that they at least get tested yearly .
“ If they don ’ t want to wear hearing protection , they should at least do a baseline hearing test , and get an annual hearing check and monitor their hearing ,” he says . “ Getting your hearing checked on a regular basis is really the basis of any hearing loss prevention program . It really can extend their career , and that ’ s what it ’ s all about .”
Dr . Santucci also discussed a Vanderbilt University study that showed that in-ear monitor use doesn ’ t automatically equate to lower volume .
“ We did a study at Vanderbilt comparing getting your in-ear monitor levels to floor monitor levels . We wanted to see how much people turned down the in-ear monitor levels ,” explains Dr . Santucci . “ We did 45 trials . Everybody turned them exactly the same , not even one dB between all the trials ... and if you ’ ve been playing guitar at 100dB , you put on inears and guess what ? You turn it to 100dB .”
Dr . Santucci also points out that , although loud sound is the primary cause of tinnitus and hearing loss , it may not be the only cause .
“ You can ’ t assume it ’ s about sounds ,” he states . “ So yes , the leading cause in this country is loud sound exposure , but you could have mechanical issues in your jaw and neck .”
TAKE FIVE
There are many resources to tap for the latest information , technology , trends , and education . The American Academy of Audiology and Canadian Hearing Services are two such resources – they have links to resources , tools , fact sheets , articles , and a searchable database to find practitioners .
Tricia Lynn Scaglione , AuD , is an assistant
professor of otolaryngology at the University of Miami . She is also director of the Tinnitus and Sound Sensitivities Clinic , and associate director of Clinical Education in Audiology for the UM Department of Otolaryngology . During a presentation for the American Academy of Audiology , Dr . Scaglione discussed a study that she conducted , together with Dr . Aurora Occa , Dr . Susan E . Morgan , Dr . Brianna Kuzbyt , and Dr . Richard J . Bookman . The study was published in The Journal of Communication in Healthcare , and titled “ What would an evidence-based tinnitus patient education program look like ? Findings from a Scoping Review ”.
Dr . Scaglione explains that the study aimed to evaluate the impact of tinnitus education , possible methods for delivering the information to patients , and to provide a guideline for teaching patients coping mechanisms for tinnitus .
“ The whole purpose of the study was to develop guidelines that audiologists , ENTs , and other physicians can use , to provide tinnitus education in their practice ,” says Dr . Scaglione . “ There wasn ’ t an agreement of the delivery model that should be used for tinnitus education . It ranged from one-onone to group models , internet-delivered , and even pamphlets . However , there was a general agreement about the information that should be portrayed to patients or delivered , and this included teaching patients that tinnitus management involves coping with tinnitus , not curing tinnitus .”
Another resource is the In-Ear Monitor International Trade Organization ( IEMITO ). Its executive director , Mike Dias , described the goals of the IEMITO . “ The mission of the IEMITO is to promote the uses and benefits of in-ear monitors ,” states Dias . “ We specialize in providing information regarding earphones and in-ear monitors that are generating sound , not passively blocking sound .”
That said , when asked , Dias describes different settings when a musician may opt for musicians ’ earplugs , and mentioned some characteristics . “ You see people going into physical environments like clubs or concerts , or anywhere where it could be potentially dangerous , and not doing anything about it ,” he says . “ All musicians should have a custom-fit musician ’ s earplug with a linear filter . And even if it ’ s not a custom fit , there are some companies who are making wonderful products .”
In terms of potential hearing health conservation benefits related to using in-ear monitors versus wedges while performing at a concert , Dias states : “ If properly used , you can choose to listen at a lower SPL than you would be on a loud stage trying to catch a feed off of your wedge .”
IT ’ S ALL ABOUT THE LAST MAN STANDING
In closing , Ken Caillat shares some wisdom about bucking perceptions , so that you can work as long as possible , and so you can outlast anyone in the business .
“ Don ’ t let some 20-year-old bopper make fun of you , because when they get old someday , you know , you ’ re maybe pushing them around in a wheelchair ,” says Caillat . “ It ’ s all about the last man standing .”
This article was first published in the U . S . by JAZZed Magazine and is shared with permission to Professional Sound .
Ian Cohen is a media and marketing professional . He writes about pro audio , immersive audio , audio storytellers , music creation / production , and artists . He ’ s also a closet music producer and gear junkie .
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