{"id":2994,"date":"2023-02-28T17:11:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T22:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/augustaent.com\/?p=2994"},"modified":"2023-03-07T19:39:42","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T00:39:42","slug":"how-musicians-can-protect-their-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/augustaent.com\/how-musicians-can-protect-their-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"How Musicians Can Protect Their Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Noise exposure is the second most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss<\/a> after advancing age. If you\u2019re a musician, whether you play in a garage, Miller Theater in downtown Augusta or in an arena, you\u2019re at increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss<\/a> due to frequent and excessive noise exposure. We review more about this and how you can protect your hearing below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Loud Sound Cause Damage?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Within your inner ear is the cochlea, which is filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells called stereocilia. As sounds pass through your ears, it moves the fluid, which in turn moves the hair cells. Each cell converts a different frequency into electrical energy that travels via the auditory nerve to the brain to be interpreted as sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When dangerously loud sounds pass through the ears, it can damage or destroy the stereocilia. Once damaged, they do not regenerate, and the result is permanent sensorineural hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Protect My Hearing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of hearing protection<\/a> available to help protect your hearing as a musician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some over-the-counter options include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n