BBC Proms prompts hearing advice for musicians

The
advice is based on a research paper published in The Annals of
Occupational Hygiene involving the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in
Australia which has implemented a Hearing Conservation Program.

The dangers of hearing loss for rock musicians are well
known, but orchestral musicians and conductors face similar risks. Studies had
shown professional musicians are nearly at four times the risk of NIHL as the
general population and 57 per cent more likely to develop tinnitus – an
incessant ringing in their ears – as a result of the job.

This presents a health and safety challenge peculiar to
orchestral musicians and their employers. But orchestras can prevent NIHL by:

• Having a strategy, which includes noise monitoring, regular
  data reviews and providing earplugs designed for musicians and acoustic
  screens
• Using rostering and seat rotation where possible and
  reviewing set up/layout
• Communicating with their employees: having a noise
  committee, evaluating artistic impact of controls by involving musicians,
  developing an education package and maintaining an up-to-date hearing
  evaluation package.

Dr Stephen Dance, a spokesman for the Institute of Acoustics
and Reader in Acoustics at London South Bank University, backs the BOHS advice. “At
the university we work with the Royal Academy of Music on this issue,” he said.
“We also had the help of the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the London
Symphony Orchestra. We have found that music exposure can be addressed through
education, appropriate information, musical programme management, health
surveillance and mitigation measures.

The resounding message is clear – with the right control
measures in place, and the backing of key organisations, NIHL can be prevented.”