Understand how musicians and hearing loss can go hand in hand

If you only knew then what you know today about hearing loss and loud rock music you may have done things differently.  Musicians and hearing loss can often go hand in hand especially if you are a rock or punk rock musician where louder was always better.  Retired rock musicians and their hearing loss has occurred over a period time in most cases rather than from one specific incident.

The most common types of hearing loss occur at higher frequencies which damage your hair cells.  The more damage to the hair cells, the more extreme the hearing loss.  This explains why musicians and hearing loss go hand and hand.  You can also loose your hearing from acoustic trauma which kills hair cells instantly.  This type of hearing loss occurs when something like a large explosion happens right next to someone.

So musicians, hearing loss is real and must be taken seriously.  There are a number of rockers in their 50’s and 60’s that are permanently deaf from long term exposure to loud music.  Even kids today have to be careful because of the popularity of iPods and other headsets they where often.  Be sure to get your hearing check regularly by a qualified audiologist just to be sure.