Earplugs unavoidable for musicians in the orchestra and at home
Earplugs unavoidable for musicians in the orchestra and at home
By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at NewsFile -- Many musicians suffer ear damage. Professional orchestras have therefore taken measures in recent years to reduce the sound levels. Studies now reveal that physical measures, like placing screens between sections or creating more space between them, have little effect. This is due to one’s own instrument contributing just as much to the sound level that reaches the ear as all the orchestra’s instruments together. So experienced musicians that play alone at home - whether professionals or amateurs - also produce excessive sound levels. The only solution that really helps is earplugs.
The eardrums of trumpet players and flute players are the most burdened. During loud passages they are subjected to average decibel levels of 95 to 100 dB(A), just from their own instruments. The violin and viola produce decibel levels in excess of 90 dB(A) for their players. These levels are similar to those of a rock concert. They also well exceed the 85 dB(A) limit that European regulations stipulate for the compulsory wearing of ear protection on the work floor.
Close to the ears
Acoustics expert and researcher Remy Wenmaekers got these results using a calculation model he developed to work …
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(2017-12-04), Earplugs unavoidable for musicians in the orchestra and at home, NewsFile, 136, ISSN: 0000-0000, BUTTER® ID: 014802791