Q & A on Hearing Protection

(Thanks to H.E.A.R.)

How do I know if I need hearing protection?

If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone less than three feet away you should be wearing a protective device.

If I wear hearing protection devices while I'm playing, won't it be hard to hear myself or the other instruments?

No, actually with distracting noise removed or minimized you will hear more clearly.

If a hearing device cuts down on the noise from my instrument or voice, how will I know what I sound like?

Your ears adjust very quickly to the protectors.

Don't people in places with loud music or sounds just get used to the volume?

No. Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are insidious. Problems can occur gradually. Lots of people never know they have a problem until it's too late.

After years of not wearing hearing protectors why start wearing them now?

Protective devices can prevent further damage. Hearing problems because of exposure to excessive noise do not have to happen.