“The Urgent Need for Hearing Protection in the Piano Tuning World” is more than just a catchy title. It’s a wake-up call for all piano tuners, technicians and musicians. The Art of Piano Tuning requires a heightened sense of hearing, and without proper protection, this sense can quickly deteriorate. In this blog post, I aim to shed light on the absolute necessity of wearing a hearing aid while tuning a piano. With scientific evidence and real-life examples, I will prove proper hearing protection not only safeguards your hearing, but also enhances your performance as a Piano Tuner. Let’s put on our hearing aids and join me on this journey to understand the critical importance of hearing protection in the Piano Tuning World.
The Risks of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Piano tuning is a delicate and intricate process that requires a tuner to have a keen ear for even the slightest variations in sound. However, exposure to the loud and sustained sounds produced by pianos can cause serious harm to a tuner’s hearing over time. In order to preserve their hearing and perform their job effectively, it is imperative that tuners and musicians invest in proper hearing protection.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). According to the World Health Organization, NIHL is the most common occupational disease. Piano tuning is considered a high-noise occupation, with sound levels often reaching above 85 decibels (dB). Exposure to sound levels above 85 dB for extended periods of time can lead to NIHL.
Why Hearing Protection is Necessary
The human ear is designed to handle a certain decibel level, and sustained exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent damage. The decibel level of a piano can reach up to 100 decibels, which is well above the 85 decibel threshold for safe listening. This can lead to a range of hearing problems, such as tinnitus, permanent hearing loss, and even complete deafness.
Moreover, even without immediate symptoms, repeated exposure to loud sounds will cause permanent hearing damage for piano tuners and musicians. This can affect their ability to perform their job and have a significant impact on their quality of life.
The Benefits of Wearing a Hearing Aid as a Piano Tuner
Wearing a hearing aid can help protect against NIHL by reducing the amount of sound that enters the ear. It can also help to listen to the beats while tuning a piano. One study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that workers had a 14% lower risk of developing NIHL while wearing earplugs. Another study conducted by the University of Manchester found that workers who used hearing protectors had a 30% lower risk of developing NIHL.
Examples of Effective Hearing Aids
There are many different types of hearing aids available, but for piano tuners, in-ear monitors are a good option. These are worn inside the ear and can be customized to fit the individual’s ear shape. They also have the ability to filter out background noise, which can be especially useful in a noisy tuning environment. Another effective option is the use of earplugs, which can also be customized to fit the individual’s ear shape. My personal preference are Airpods Pro, which have a noise cancellation built-in system in them.
Protect your hearing with these tips
Keep the Volume Down! Keep the tunes blasting, but at a safe level on your personal listening devices, TV, or gaming systems. Remember, most of these devices can get loud and exceed 85 decibels, which can be harmful in the long run.
Give Your Ears a Break! When the party gets wild with personal listening devices, concerts, or loud environments, give your ears some much-needed rest. It’s like hitting pause on the fun to keep your hearing health in check
Conclusion
As a Piano Tuner and Technician in the city of Pittsburgh, PA, it is essential I wear proper hearing protection. This allows me to do my job effectively and protect my ears from any damage long term damage. Wearing hearing protection can not only protect against noise-induced hearing loss, but also enhance the sounds important for Piano Tuning. If you live in Pittsburgh, PA, Allegheny County, and are interested in getting your piano tuned, please visit my contact page. You can also schedule your Piano Tuning appointment by clicking HERE.