As a musician, you’re the envy of the functioning world, and this is for a worthy cause. First, you get to work at your own hours; you get to meet and hang around with other cool musicians and not forgetting the best part, becoming a money management pro. However, being a musician entails making your ears vulnerable to loud noises. Musicians are among the people who are at a higher risk of developing tinnitus and hearing loss. Tinnitus can be prevented by taking precautions that lessens the risk without compromising your career.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a ringing in the ear. It involves hearing a buzzing, ringing, chirping or whistling sound. The sound can come from one ear or both. Your audiologist will examine your ears, neck and head to look for possible causes of tinnitus. The specific sound you hear will help your audiologist identify the probable cause. When left untreated, tinnitus can result in poor concentration and difficulty sleeping.

What causes tinnitus?

There are several conditions and diseases that cause tinnitus. Some of the conditions include:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss
  • Some drugs, for instance, aspirin, anti-inflammatory, some antibiotics, loop diuretics and antidepressants.
  • Meniere’s disease that affects the internal part of the ear
  • Other medical conditions like cardiovascular diseases, anemia, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disease and allergies
  • Obstruction of the ear that can be a result of wax buildup, an ear infection or in some rare cases, a benign tumor of the auditory nerve
  • Age-related hearing loss
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Neck or jaw problems
  • Sinus pressure and barometric trauma

How to prevent tinnitus

Just like any other illness, tinnitus can be prevented. Here are some of the ways you can protect your ears from tinnitus:

Use earplugs

The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is by avoiding loud noises as much as you can. But how much noise can cause hearing loss? The following are some tips to knowing when noise is loud enough to damage your hearing:

  • You are raising your voice to chat with other people
  • You are experiencing ringing in the ear, then muffled hearing
  • Your ears hurt because of the noise
  • You cannot hear what people are saying near you

Make sure that you stay away from loud sources of sound. Additionally, you should wear ear protection during concerts and other noisy environments. Earplugs will help reduce sound levels through the frequency range to make the music and speech clearer and more rational.

Utilize in-ear monitors

In-ear monitors will enable you to hear the music straight in your ears, rather than from a blaring speaker. Ask your audiologist for help when choosing in-ear-monitors that are suitable for your specific needs. Also, make sure that you learn how to use them in order to gain maximum protection from noise. In-ear monitors can be used in the studio or together with an equalizer to adjust the frequency bands that you may be missing.

Know the risks

Your risk of getting tinnitus entirely depends on the type of music you are playing, as well as the amount of time you are exposed to loud noise. Musicians rely on hearing, so they must protect their ears. By now, you should know that any instrument played loudly can damage your hearing. Being exposed to any noise of 85 decibels and above is risky, and you will need ear protection. Also, limit the time of exposure to loud sounds to protect your hearing.

Take a beak

Giving your ears regular breaks allows them to cope better with loud noises. When using headphones, remember to take some time away and give your ears a break.

Get a hearing test

It is important that you get a hearing test as soon as you suspect you have hearing loss. Hearing loss can progress gradually, and the primary purpose of the hearing test is to determine the severity of the problem. A comprehensive hearing test will not only help determine if you have hearing loss but also defines the type of hearing loss you have.

Taking additional steps to protect your hearing is the best substitute for good hearing aids. Staying hydrated aids your hearing; so, keep drinking water while creating harmony. Additionally, take care of your heart to keep your vessels healthy and prevent tinnitus that is caused by blood vessel disorders. If you or your loved one has hearing loss and is experiencing tinnitus, ask help from an audiologist. Contact us at (605) 610-3466 today to learn more about Baker Audiology & Hearing Aids.