Are School Music Programs A Danger?

Over the last 10+ years, hearing conservation has begun to move to the forefront of our national consciousness. Study after study has shown how noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is negatively impacting the future of our children. No single group is in more danger of permanent hearing loss than those kids in school sponsored band and music programs.

While most of us associate hearing loss with loud work environments, most of us don’t even realize the damage that ordinary situations may cause. Children in elementary, middle school and high school band and orchestra programs can be exposed to decibel readings over 120 decibels on a daily basis. Those in college programs, especially marching band, can actually be higher. It takes on a sense of urgency when you realize that the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires hearing protection for working environments at 85 decibels. To put this in perspective, OSHA lists the maximum permissible time-frame for exposure to different decibel levels of noise. Their recommendations don’t go to 120 decibels and at the top of the chart, at 115 decibels, the maximum permissible timeframe is 15 seconds.

The good news is that hearing loss can be prevented through the use of quality hearing protection. While there are many different solutions on the market today, experts warn us away from one-size-fits-all solutions. These products, primarily made from foam, are not shaped to fit the developing ear canals of children and young adults. Most recommend custom fit earplugs specifically geared toward musicians. While most earplugs are made to eliminate as much noise as possible, earplugs made for musicians lower harmful decibel readings while still allowing them to use their “musical ear” to blend with their fellow performers.