|
Do You Hear What I Hear? A lot of us ended up working in professional audio due to a love of music as much as anything else. Many were active, working musicians in an earlier life; many still are. Even if not, the passion of enjoying musical performance doesn't subside. And there's something truly cool (and almost indescribable) about having a hand in amplifying and enhancing a performance. The ironic thing is that our chosen profession sometimes puts us directly at peril with the love of music. That is, if we're not careful, the inevitable exposure to dangerously high sound pressure levels can permanently damage our hearing, the very thing that helps bring so much joy. I had the privilege of being in the audience for an exclusive acoustic performance by Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell a couple of years ago during Summer NAMM, an event that still comes pleasantly to mind on a regular basis. Two truly talented musicians and their guitars, telling stories and spontaneously playing songs relating to wherever their conversation led them. Stunning... But throughout the show, my ears were ringing. Noticeably ringing. The day prior, I had been doing a photo shoot at a music festival where a new, extremely powerful concert reinforcement system was going full-out over more than 12 hours. It didn't take an audiologist to tell me that some damage had been done, that I had tinnitus. Fortunately the condition didn't persist, but it made me realize that I had to be more careful. And in reality, this episode and years of similar abuse might make for permanent hearing problems somewhere in my future. As a result, ear plugs are a permanent staple of my briefcase, and I purposely leave an area, whenever possible, if there's even a hint that levels will hit an abusive level. Some hearing loss can be attributed to genetics, and it's a fact that we live in a world marked by ever-increasing constant noise levels. It's probably inevitable that a greater percentage of people will suffer moderate to serious hearing problems. I'm not telling most of you anything you don't already know. But better safe than sorry. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that exposure to 99dB consistently for just an hour can pose a potential hazard. How many of us can confidently say we've never had exposure along these lines, and likely, much worse? A great resource with regard to "all things hearing" is the House Ear Institute (HEI). Their web site, www.hei.org provides a wealth of information and options. Also as usual, HEI will have a booth at NSCA Expo, staffed by a host of professionals more than happy to share their insight. My son Sam has started taking guitar lessons, and it's a thrill to hear someone so young know the joy of making music, and to have the opportunity to help and share in that process. Music, in general, is still a focal point of my life, giving me enjoyment on a daily basis. And just where would I be if I couldn't hear my lovely wife Julie telling me what to do? (Just kidding, sweetheart - honestly!) You get the point. |