Hearing Program Overview

Professional musicians are almost four times as likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss, compared to the general public. And it’s no surprise that frequent exposure to loud sound makes musicians 57% more likely to develop tinnitus as a result of their job. Routine hearing screenings and using hearing protection are key for reducing the risk of damage and prolonging hearing health.*

Through our partnership with Estes Audiology, all HAAM members have access to hearing healthcare through HAAM Hear Clinics. These are typically held four times each year at the HAAM office and members are eligible to attend once per year. Invitations are sent by email one week before each clinic with a registration link and spots fill up quickly!

2024 Hear Clinic Dates

  • February 23rd

  • April 16th

  • June 18th

  • September 13th

Hear Clinic Services

Services offered at the clinic include:

  • A hearing screening to capture a baseline of how well you hear and counseling to explain your results

  • Visual inspection of the ear canal

  • Wax removal if necessary

  • Impressions for custom filtered musician plugs (requires $25 co-pay)

  • Tracking of screening data for comparison of hearing health over time

About Custom Filtered Musician's Earplugs

Click here for instructions for using and maintaining your custom earplugs!

Custom filtered musician earplugs are different than traditional foam plug-ins, as the level of attenuation is flat across the frequency spectrum. Non-filtered earplugs only reduce the high frequencies and cause distortion to the sound signal. Filtered earplugs come in four different strengths; 10, 16, 20 and 25-decibel filters.

Audiologists experienced in working with HAAM members will be available to discuss hearing protection customization, which depends on the type of music played and the acoustic environment you are in.

If you are interested in purchasing other equipment for musicians (monitor packs, dual drivers, etc.) that are not available through the HAAM Hear Clinic, please contact Estes Audiology at 512-900-8888 for pricing and information.

 

*Source: BMJ-British Medical Journal. Content is adapted from “Professional musicians run almost four-fold risk of noise induced deafness” (2014, April 30).