Rock Music and Deafness We

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]

Occupational Deafness

There is little doubt that rock musicians are particularly prone to occupational deafness. There are so many rock musicians who have lost their hearing functionality due to their profession. Pete Townshend, one of the most acclaimed rock musicians of the 1960's suffered from Tinnitus and lost his hearing due to prolonged exposure to high decibel rock music concerts. Philip Morton who was part of a rock group in Portland for more than 20 years also suffers from permanent hearing loss. Kathy peck, a rock musician and co-founder of the 'HEAR' (Hearing Education and Awareness for Rockers) is another victim of high decibel rocking. Today Peck is persuading musicians to decrease the decibel levels and is promoting the use of earplugs and other safety measures to minimize the harmful effect of these music programs. Bill Clinton, the former president and a saxophone player is another example of a musician who developed deafness. Paul Ryan, the professional drummer is also victim of noise pollution in the rock concerts. [Mary Daniels]. The list is much bigger and is a clear warning for aspirants and fans of rock music. While referring to hearing impairment, John Flansburgh, a professional rock musician says it is,"one of the little sacrifices you make for rock." [Geeslin] it is pretty clear that rock music entails the danger of total deafness or a profound decline in the hearing capacity.

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