Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/26/2008

Question
Hello there,

I have a high frequency loss on both my ears more or so on my right ear. I'm a musician and i was wondering how much this would affect me in the long run. I have been to many doctors and audiologists and some say that's it's not a big deal some say that i should consider another career choice. I was wondering what your opinion is on this matter.

Thank You

Answer
Hi Edrin,
If every musician that had a hearing loss were to consider another career choice, think of all the wonderful music we would be missing...starting from Beethoven and going up to Peter Frampton and just about anyone else. Yes, in the long run, without treatment, your high frequency loss most likely will become worse and will affect how you perceive music.  Mostly it will affect timbre, and you may not be able to hear the higher pitched instruments, such as piccolo. All musicians are at risk, not just rock musicians, but classical musicians as well. I think whoever told you to consider another career choice does not understand that music is more than just a career; it is a way of life. So, now, to address your specific problems.  You should consider amplification as early as possible so that you can "train" your ears to continue hearing as normally as possible.  The longer you have a hearing loss, the more your ears and nerves will start to distort sounds.  Secondly, you need to get special noise protectors made just for musicians which will slow down any future loss.  I am providing you with several websites that will give you complete information on ear protection and musicians and hearing loss:  http://sensaphonics.com/  and  http://www.hearnet.com/  I am also giving you another website of a community of musicians with hearing loss.  Maybe someone on the list can guide you to an audiologist near you who is willing to work with you.  It is also a great site to just have other musicians with all ranges of hearing loss to share experiences:  http://www.aamhl.org/joomla10/  So, my opinion is: do NOT give up on the music....ever!
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology