Hearing Loss for Musicians

Researchers from the University of Toronto studied the effects of noise levels in orchestra pits. They took 67 musicians who volunteered to participate in the study and monitored them in rehearsals and performances.

The researchers used devices called noise dosimeters to measure sound. The musicians played with these devices on 18 different occasions, each lasting three hours. The dosimeters showed that the noise levels never reached the line of causing permanent hearing damage.

The researchers came to the conclusion that playing in a pit is not damaging to a musician's ears. Individual music practice time, however, was not monitored in this study.

To prevent hearing loss, it is recommended that musicians wear ear plugs when at all possible.