Hearing Conservation

The hearing scale we use to measure and describe sound levels for human hearing, is decibels A-weighted, or dBA. 70dBA is the “always safe” level limit. Levels above that should be given consideration.

+10dB is actually ten times the energy. So 80dBA is 10x more “sound” than 70dBA. And 90dBA is 100x more “sound” than 70dBA.

There is a lot of information out there that has become mainstream, but is NOT a safe guideline. Think OSHA and NIOSH – these organizations do NOT produce metrics that will properly protect your lifelong hearing. ASHA, the American Speech-Hearing Association, very carefully DOES attempt to produce lifelong conservation metrics.

Safe “level” is meaningless without talking about the duration of that level. So, “sound exposure” is a combination of sound level and duration. ASHA has a pretty good chart you can reference:

Do not rely on your Apple Watch exposure app, or other mobile app tools to think that you’re safe. You can and should use them to get an accurate-enough momentary measurement, but do not rely on it. Whenever you are in environments of louder-than-conversation, it’s a good idea to wear protection.

The goal should be to lower the level of all things that are above 70dBA, especially obviously louder environments. Environments that you wouldn’t think but frequently pass 80dBA include: driving especially with windows open, public transport, walking down a busy street, dogs barking indoors, putting away dishes, vacuuming and other chores, PTG convention hall, many restaurants, and the list can go on.

In critical listening environments, there are options for preserving sound clarity while lowering the level. Primarily, it’s “musicians earplugs” or “ear filters”. There are many brands now advertising and selling products that allegedly do this. The only ones I can recommend (and I’ve tried many) are those utilizing the Etymotic-Research filters. There are both inexpensive generic “filters” from ER (search ER-20), and more expensive custom-shaped silicone filters which create more clarity and comfort – best option is Sensaphonics.

There is also an active listening solution, which works like a volume control for your ears, (meaning you can easily adjust the volume to the level you need). This is fantastic for piano tuners, as the level is quickly adjustable to the volume that you need, and it also blocks out more sound than other solutions. This has revolutionized my own tuning process, and is well worth the investment. It’s the ASI Audio 3DME. Needs more discussion.

Universal Filters

Musicians Earplugs

ASI Audio 3DME

None of this is a “quick and easy” solution. You’re not going to just buy some ear plugs, pop them in the next time you tune, and suddenly your hearing is safe. With any ear-protection device, there will be a learning curve and you will likely feel that you can’t hear what you need: this is normal, and it takes time to adjust to. A stranger on the internet shouldn’t be the one to convince you that it will be worth the effort and expense to conserve your hearing, but most people aren’t aware of what’s at risk.