Author: Mandy Lewis

How we help musicians with hyperacusis

Posted on February 15, 2024 by - Blog, Homepage

hyperacusis

How we help musicians with hyperacusis

Hyperacusis is a debilitating condition which causes sensitivity to loud sounds and can result from over-exposure to loud music. It’s prevalent in musicians and DJ’s and can be incredibly painful and disruptive to their careers. However, help is available.

hyperacusis

Musicians’ Hearing Services recently helped composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Paul Russell, manage his hyperacusis.

In an article published by Musicians’ Union, Paul shares his story:

“It started with the kids at home. Then I noticed it on trains or at the airport, the Tannoy systems or the beeping noise when the doors open. I do quite a lot of work as a front-of-house sound engineer. When I went to mix a concert, the drummer started playing the kick drum and it pinned me to the back of the wall. It was just completely impossible for me to be around that level of volume.”

After seeking advice from an ENT consultant, Paul contacted us for a second opinion. We were able to help him with a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and fitted sound generators.

Click here to read the full article on Musicians’ Union.

Treatment for hyperacusis

At Musicians’ Hearing Services, we understand the frustration that conditions like hyperacusis can cause. We work with musicians and entertainment personnel to address their specific hearing challenges and devise treatment plans suited to their needs.

Are you struggling with hyperacusis? Get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Christmas Opening Hours

Posted on December 18, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage

Musicians’ Hearing Services Opening Hours

We are open over the festive period. Please call 020 7486 1053 Option 1, or complete the form if you need advice or you’d like an appointment.

 

Hearing Clinic Opening Hours

DECEMBER

Friday 22nd 9am – 1pm 

Monday 25th (closed)

Tuesday 26th (closed)

Wednesday 27th 9am – 5.30pm

Thursday 28th 9am – 5.30pm

Friday 29th 9am – 1pm

JANUARY

Monday 1st (closed)

Normal hours resume from Tuesday 2nd 9am – 5.30pm

We wish all our current and future patients a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We look forward to seeing you soon.

London Theatres Hearing Accessibility

Posted on October 30, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage

Enhancing Hearing Accessibility in London Theatres: A Complete Guide

At Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services, our primary commitment is to ensure that our patients experience the best possible hearing, not only in everyday situations but also in public spaces. For individuals with hearing aids, achieving optimal hearing in public areas often involves fine-tuning their devices for improved sound quality, combined with effective communication strategies. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that in certain circumstances, these measures may not suffice.

Introducing Hearing Loop Systems

You may have come across the distinctive hearing loop symbol, also known as the telecoil, in various public places. This symbol indicates the presence of an assistive listening system. In places like banks and supermarkets you will need an assistive hearing device such as a hearing aid to access the hearing loop, thereby improving sound quality.

However, in theatres and other performance venues, non-hearing aid users can also benefit from assistive listening devices during performances. This includes devices available for loan with headphones or the option to connect your mobile device to the system and use your own headphones.

We recognise that this information might not be widely known among those with hearing loss. So, we’ve compiled an exhaustive guide on theatre accessibility to share crucial information about all London theatres.

Assistive Listening Devices in London Theatres

With advances in technology since the inception of the hearing loop, we refer to these systems as ‘assistive listening devices’ to encompass a wide range of technology. Each theatre may have a unique setup for these devices. In our London Theatre Hearing Guide, you can easily search for theatres, explore the available options, and learn how to access them.

We hope that this resource will not only benefit our patients but also anyone facing hearing challenges who wishes to attend performances in London theatres. Through our experience, we understand that these systems are not always flawless. Often, the technology is constrained by retrofitting into historically listed buildings rather than being part of the initial design.

By centralising access to information in one place, we aim to emphasise to theatres the significance of having fully functional equipment. We are open to collaboration with theatres to ensure that every theatre-goers’s needs are met.

Additionally, we are excited about the development and future rollout of Auracast LE Audio, a new low-energy audio connectivity design. This technology promises to further enhance the quality of assistive listening devices for hearing aid users attending theatre performances. A simple scan of a QR code will allow you to join in the sound effortlessly.

If you have feedback or updated information based on your experiences at a London theatre please contact us at 020 7486 1053 or complete the form below. Your input can help us keep our information up-to-date and improve accessibility for all.

Musicians – protect your hearing!

Posted on September 18, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage

Hearing Damage is 100% permanent and 100% irreversible

As a musician your ears are the most valuable asset that you have, aside from your ability to perform. It’s important for musicians to protect their hearing as well as the general population because the damage to hearing is 100% permanent and 100% irreversible.

Earplugs are important for preventing hearing damage, especially in musicians, because it is the simplest thing for an individual to implement. Custom-made hearing protection is a step up from the generic sized hearing protection that you can get off the shelf, it is better fitted to the individual.

The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme is run by Help Musicians and Harley Street Hearing. We have several locations based around the UK, so there is likely to be a clinic running that is near to you.

“As a bassoonist and an audiologist I think it’s great that Help Musicians are making custom made hearing protection accessible and affordable. It’s something that I am really keen to continue promoting to musicians to make sure that they know that they have an option. I think it’s really important to be able to offer something that is subsidised to the musicians who might be a little more uncertain of using hearing protection. It gives them a starting point where maybe they don’t feel it’s as big a financial investment, and gives them the opportunity to try something that is so much more better suited to them.”

If you were asked in however many years time when you have an issue with your ears if you were to pay £50 towards recovering the hearing that you have lost, you absolutely would do that, so why not do it now and protect and prevent that change from happening.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

Once accepted onto the scheme you can access an audiological assessment. During your appointment, the audiologist will create moulds of your ears, which will be used to create a set of custom pro musicians earplugs which you will receive in the post a few weeks later. These will allow you to protect your hearing effectively in any live music setting without impeding your ability to do your job.

If any concerns for your hearing come up during the appointment, you will receive expert advice on referral routes and next steps to managing any problems in the long term. The cost of your appointment will be heavily subsidised, so you can access all of this for just £50, with a 25% discount available for Musicians’ Union & ISM members.

For further details about the scheme see here

Fiona Butterworth is a senior clinical audiologist at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services. See her video on protecting your hearing below.

Fiona joined the team at Harley Street Hearing in 2018 and is one of our senior audiologists. She studied at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (part of the University of Southampton), completing a joint honours undergraduate degree in acoustical engineering and music before starting her masters in audiology. She has a varied clinical workload including selection, fitting and fine tuning of hearing technology specifically for musicians.

Keeping up her musical endeavours in her spare time, Fiona is keen to use her own experiences to inform her work, and is continually broadening her understanding of how hearing, hearing aids, and music are linked. Fiona has given presentations to several London orchestras and organisations in addition to speaking at a number of conferences, raising awareness and educating on the importance of using hearing protection within all musical environments.

ISM Protecting Musicians’ Hearing Health

Posted on July 4, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage, Read About Us

Protecting Musicians’ Hearing Health

We live in a world where music fills our souls and connects us on a profound level. For musicians, the power of sound is not only their passion but also their livelihood. Yet, amidst the enchanting melodies and pulsating rhythms, there lies a hidden threat to their well-being – the risk of hearing loss.

In an exclusive feature in the esteemed ISM Summer Music Journal, Fiona Butterworth, Senior Clinical Audiologist at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services, sheds light on the vital importance of maintaining good hearing health for musicians. She delves into the proactive steps that can be taken to safeguard one’s  hearing, and highlights the valuable support provided by the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme.

Promoting hearing health is not a solo act. Employers in the music industry also play a crucial role in creating a safe working environment. In this article, Fiona explains the responsibilities employers hold when it comes to noise in the workplace, ensuring that musicians’ auditory well-being remains a top priority.

To read the full article, click here.

If you’re part of the vibrant music industry and eager to discover more about how to protect your hearing and access the benefits of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme click here.

 

Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services have been established for over 25 years. We are passionate about the specific hearing needs of musicians and entertainment industry personnel.

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s largest representative non-union body for musicians and a nationally recognised subject association for music.

7 Devonshire Street Move

Posted on June 27, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage

Musicians Hearing Consultation

Musicians’ Hearing Services Relocates to a Luxurious Clinic at 127 Harley Street

Musicians’ Hearing Services, a renowned provider of hearing solutions for musicians, has recently moved its location from 7 Devonshire Street, London W1W 5PY to a new luxury clinic situated at 127 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AZ. This relocation marks an exciting chapter in our commitment to offering top-quality services to musicians and individuals seeking professional hearing care. Whether you’re experiencing changes in your hearing, require hearing protection, ear wax removal, or need specialised services such as therapy for tinnitus, Musicians’ Hearing Services has you covered. Additionally, we offer customised in-ear monitors for musicians, providing unique ear impressions tailored to your specific needs.

New Clinic Address: Musicians’ Hearing Services, 127 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AZ

Musicians Hearing ConsultationComprehensive Musicians’ Hearing Services

At Musicians’ Hearing Services we specialise in catering to the unique auditory needs of musicians, and we offer a range of services to ensure optimal hearing health.

Hearing Tests

If you suspect changes in your hearing or want to assess your hearing capabilities, Musicians’ Hearing Services provides comprehensive hearing tests and can advise on hearing technology designed for the specific needs of musicians.

Custom-Made Hearing Protection

Ensure that your ears are adequately safeguarded while you enjoy your musical pursuits with musicians’ Pro ear plugs which will protect your hearing from the effects of overexposure to loud sounds throughout your life.

Tinnitus Therapy

If you are struggling with tinnitus, Musicians’ Hearing Services offers hearing therapy to alleviate the associated symptoms. Our dedicated hearing therapists are experienced in working with musicians and understand the impact tinnitus can have on your career and overall well-being.

Instant Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax buildup can affect your hearing and cause discomfort. We offer safe and effective ear wax removal through a technique known as microsuction. Our highly trained clinical audiologists remove the wax with precision accuracy using high-spec examination microscopes, providing immediate relief.

In-Ear Monitors

Musicians requiring in-ear monitors can benefit from our expertise in creating personalised ear impressions. These impressions ensure that the in-ear monitors fit perfectly, delivering optimal sound quality and reducing the risk of hearing damage. We can either have your in-ear monitors made for you in the UK or we can send your 3d scans to your preferred US manufacturer.

Musicians Hearing Health Scheme

At Musicians’ Hearing Services we are proud to be the nationwide provider for the Musicians Hearing Health Scheme. This scheme offers eligible musicians access to specialised hearing services and solutions at a much reduced cost. To apply for the scheme see here.

To book an appointment with us or enquire further about our services call 020 7486 1053, choose Option 1, or complete the form.

Hearsay Newsletter #10

Posted on April 4, 2023 by - Blog, Homepage

Hearsay Newsletter #10

Our latest newsletter highlighting everything new at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services.  

Click on the image to read in full.

We are proud to be London’s largest, and longest serving, independent hearing clinic. Established on Harley Street for over 25 years. We hold regular regional clinics around the UK.

Whatever your hearing needs we can help you with hearing issues, hearing aids, ear wax removal, tinnitus treatment & custom made hearing protection.

We are also the national providers of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, for details see here.

Call us now on 020 7486 1053.

How can musicians protect their hearing?

Posted on November 10, 2022 by - Blog, Homepage

Tinnitus, ear plugs and hearing loss

Senior Clinical Audiologist Fiona Butterworth, at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services, answered questions about a range of important issues with Help Musicians, from tinnitus and ear plugs to how musicians can protect their hearing with discounted audiological assessments and custom-made hearing protection.

Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

Together Help Musicians and Musicians’ Hearing Services offer musicians access to affordable hearing assessments and protection. The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme  is carried out by our clinical audiologists, and includes an assessment, education and best advice on protecting your hearing and a pair of custom-made ear plugs.

To see the full article click here

Custom-made hearing protection is advised for anyone who is often exposed to high levels of noise, to see all the custom hearing protection we provide click here

Closed 19th September for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral

Posted on September 12, 2022 by - Homepage

Closed 19th September for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral

Musicians’ Hearing Services will be closed on Monday 19 September, the date of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, which is a national bank holiday.

This bank holiday marks the last day of the period of national mourning for our Queen. Should you need to contact us please complete the form below. We will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 20th September.

Brighton Music Conference

Posted on July 5, 2022 by - Blog, Homepage

Brighton Music Conference

Written by Fiona Butterworth – Senior clinical audiologist.

‘I was invited to sit on the “All About Ears” panel. Given the conference was housed in the British Airways i360, it was easy to navigate to once I had made my way to the Brighton seafront promenade. 

This was the first educational event that I had attended in person since early March 2020 and it was great to be back amongst the musicians. I am passionate about teaching people the importance of using hearing protection and together with Andy Shiach from ACS, Liam Hennessy from HMUK, and DJ Annabellestopit, we were able to answer questions from all angles, tying in our own personal experiences to bolster our responses. 

The audience asked interesting questions that were linked to both their experience as musicians but also to their non-musical day-jobs and how they must manage their noise exposure across both careers carefully. It was clear that everyone in the audience understood the importance of protecting their hearing, and by the end of the panel discussion they had the information they needed.  

The music industry is still recovering from the hit it received from the pandemic, and it was refreshing and exciting to see the enthusiasm of the musicians as they moved around the conference.’