Occupational hearing loss refers to partial or complete hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises at the job. The loudness and strength of sound vibration is measured in terms of decibels and exposure to noise above 90 decibels on a consistent basis puts you at risk of going deaf. This means that the sound vibration is so loud that it can cause permanent damage to your inner ear, something which is usually irreversible.
Occupations as a audio engineer that can harm your hearing
Quite a few jobs and hobbies expose you to loud sounds and these can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Ardent computer game players can often be exposed to constant music, loud explosions and other sound effects, but it’s you – as a sound designer – who either creates or records these. Similarly, professional sports players that play in enclosed arenas endure crowds cheering – for example when playing indoor basketball, but it’s you – as a boom operator or field sound engineer who also experiences the noise.
Recording artists and audio engineers are constantly exposed to loud music or other loud sounds (for example recording sound effects for movies). For audio engineers and music makers, ears are the primary tool that they use to regulate the volume and tonal qualities of the sounds which go into making music. Job-induced hearing loss in these cases is often due to the loudness and duration of exposure. So, even though they may not be exposed to very loud sounds, but exposure to moderately loud sounds constantly throughout the day, each day of their lives, is a sure way to hearing loss. Choosing a good pair of speakers is important. Harshness at certain frequencies will cause problems. Speaker reviews will help you determine which are the best ones for you.
Live sound engineers can easily suffer hearing fatigue because it’s not just the gig, but the setup, too. Once you’ve done a soundcheck on each of the bands, then the whole gig, you may have been exposed to an average person’s equivalent of one week of sound energy. And you still have to do the equipment pack down. In fact, if you’re experiencing ringing in your ears, or your hearing if muffled after a gig, you are almost certainly damaging your hearing.
Tips to prevent hearing loss
The main symptom of occupational hearing loss is partial or complete hearing loss, which keeps on getting worse with continued exposure if steps are not taken to protect your hearing. Sometimes the hearing loss may be accompanied by a noise such as buzzing in the ear. This condition is referred to as tinnitus.
You should pay special attention to your hearing, because sound recordists with poor hearing a recording engineers without a job. Give your ears a rest, limit the loudest sessions to perhaps just the final run through of the mix; if you’re recording live sound and you’re a boom operator, wear earplugs that attenuate all frequencies evenly.
If hearing loss has already occurred, you will eventually need a hearing aid. A qualified audiologist can help you get the right hearing aid and also suggest ways to prevent further hearing loss. Occupational hearing loss can lead to permanent deafness, tinnitus and ear pain. So, make sure that you take the right steps to prevent damage to your ears.
Allergies can also cause hearing loss if they make your ears clogged. Spring allergies can be alleviated using the right supplements or medications. Herbs such as ginkgo tablets, as well as ear candles and over-the-counter medications can all help.