Sunday, June 11, 2006
Hearing vs Playing Music
I knew this subject would come up eventually. I play in a band, and work actively in the hearing aid industry – two ends of the hearing health spectrum seemingly diabolically opposed to each other. So I’ve received a couple of emails recently, commenting on how bad playing in a band is for my hearing, and how irresponsible it is for me to endorse both concepts in the same sentence.
I started this blog in an attempt to introduce myself as owner of Lightning Enterprises. I wanted folks who do business with our company to have a little more insight into the operation of the company, and also give more personal information about me – who I am and what I like doing. Why I own the company and what makes it tick. Indirectly, we help people hear better, and that gives me great satisfaction. I would never endorse anything that would hurt anybody’s hearing.
I have played in bands at the local level for many years, and that also gives me great satisfaction. Music is marvelous entertainment, and when I play a favorite song, or bring back a memory it is a wonderful feeling. The trick for hearing protection though, is not to play loudly. Many times, musicians try to make up for lack of skill by playing louder – it helps cover up mistakes. And I admit I have played loud before – years ago. But I go for more of a quality sound now, and it pays off. Not only does it make you play better, you save your hearing as well. I can say I have no hearing loss at all after all these years of playing music.
So how loud do we play? I like to play just loud enough that I can barely hear the dancer’s feet shuffle during a slow song, or waltz. That’s about 80db right in front of the speakers.
I started this blog in an attempt to introduce myself as owner of Lightning Enterprises. I wanted folks who do business with our company to have a little more insight into the operation of the company, and also give more personal information about me – who I am and what I like doing. Why I own the company and what makes it tick. Indirectly, we help people hear better, and that gives me great satisfaction. I would never endorse anything that would hurt anybody’s hearing.
I have played in bands at the local level for many years, and that also gives me great satisfaction. Music is marvelous entertainment, and when I play a favorite song, or bring back a memory it is a wonderful feeling. The trick for hearing protection though, is not to play loudly. Many times, musicians try to make up for lack of skill by playing louder – it helps cover up mistakes. And I admit I have played loud before – years ago. But I go for more of a quality sound now, and it pays off. Not only does it make you play better, you save your hearing as well. I can say I have no hearing loss at all after all these years of playing music.
So how loud do we play? I like to play just loud enough that I can barely hear the dancer’s feet shuffle during a slow song, or waltz. That’s about 80db right in front of the speakers.
