Hearing loss and hearing damage in rock musicians

Rock Music and Deafness

We live in a world of increasing noise pollution and the field of music is no exception. Traditionally music has been viewed as a melodious and soothing experience which transports us to another level of harmonious existence. However, these are the days of bombastic and high sounding music and rock and roll is the style in vogue. Unfortunately, this loud form of musical experience has a really deafening effect. Researchers have observed that alongside aging, noise is another leading cause for hearing loss. As per the American academy of audiology more than 17 million people in the country suffer from 'nerve deafness' which is caused by noise pollution.[SHURE] So naturally, rock music with its blaring drum beats, blazing guitars and honking saxophones is not a really healthy treat for the ears. The number of deaf rock musicians is by itself an indication of the negative effect of rock music.

The Sensitive Ear

The comfortable decibel range for the human ear is below 75 decibels. The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) prescribes protective gear for employees working for more than 8 hours under noise levels that exceed 85 decibels. Typically sound levels in rock concerts range between 100 and 120 decibels which clearly exceeds the safe limit. Also a rock musician or a fan is exposed to such high decibel sounds for hours together. Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is prolonged exposure to high noise levels. The ear has minute and highly sensitive hair cells known as cilia which are responsible for converting the sound waves into nerve impulses. They are 15,000 to 20,000 in number and play an important role in the auditory function. Though these hair cells are built with natural resilience that can withstand any temporary exposure to high noise levels they are not designed to bear long-term exposure without being permanently damaged. Any real damage to these micro sensory receptors results in permanent and progressive deafness. Tinnitus or the condition where the affected person hears a continuous ringing noise or buzzing sound is a symptom which indicates damage to the cilia. [SHURE]

Conclusion

Our hearing function is taken for granted and we are literally abusing it in the name of entertainment. Human ear is a highly sensitive and remarkably resilient system, however continuous and careless abuse invariably results in irreparable damage. We have seen some practical cases which confirm that rock music has a debilitating effect on our ears. Today even rock musicians are openly admitting the disability caused by their profession. The sheer number of rock musicians who suffer from hearing impairment is ample proof to the damaging effects of rock music. In the interest of conserving our hearing organs it is advisable to stay away from high decibel music or at least use protective gears which would limit the noise levels. Creating the awareness among rock musicians and rock fans is important in controlling this problem. Music can still be enjoyable without having to recourse to ear splitting and deafening sound levels. The danger of lending a deaf ear to this sound advice is of course obvious.