subject: Tips For Protecting Your Hearing When In An Orchestra [print this page] Even though orchestras play what is considered soothingly beautiful music, being a member of an orchestra and rehearsing daily, listening to the loud instruments and the music at an elevated level, does take a toll on your hearing and it is important to protect it as much as possible. You need to be sure that you dont pop your ear drum or do damage to your hearing by exposing yourself to elevated noise levels. Take a few precautionary measures to ensure that you and your ear health dont suffer so that your audience can continue listening to you perform.
For starters, invest in a pair of surf earplugs as they are some of the few on the market that act as a barrier to loud noises and sounds but allow you to still hear. They are available at most surf and sports supply shops and are very inexpensive. You will be able to rehearse with your band as well as monitor the noise levels that you are exposed to so that you dont do any permanent damage to your ears. Be sure to protect your hearing as much as you can, as your job depends on how well you can hear and synchronize with the other musicians in the orchestra.
Because hearing, listening and playing are your livelihood, it is also important that you protect your hearing as much as possible and make sure that you safeguard this vital sense. As such, try to stay away from using a q-tip to clean your ears, as very often they reach too deep and can rupture your ear-drum. Instead, simply clean your ears with a tissue and your finger as your finger will not be able to do much harm. It may seem insignificant, but this small act of awareness could save you a lot of trouble and help ensure that you remain healthy.
It is also crucial that you get a hearing test once a year just to ensure that everything is normal and that you are in top health. Everyone should get the test annually regardless of whether or not they are in an orchestra but it is especially important for you as your livelihood depends on it. With a little bit of foresight and planning you should be able to ensure that your hearing remains in tact and that you can continue to perform for all of your fans. Even though it may not seem like the noise levels in the orchestra are elevated or at a harmful module, it is imperative that you protect your hearing and do everything necessary to be sure that you can go on playing uninterrupted. With the proper care and by following these simple tips you should be able to enjoy the music that you make and the thrill of performing live for an audience. Be sure to relax and enjoy yourself as well and not to stress about your hearing.
