During the Spring residency of the National Youth Orchestra at Uppingham School in Rutland, Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services collaborated with the orchestra for a Hearing Health Seminar. Led by Clinical Lead Fiona Butterworth, the seminar aimed to enlighten approximately 150 young musicians, aged between 13 and 18, about the intricacies of hearing health. This took place ahead of their much-anticipated performance at the Royal Festival Hall.

Fiona Butterworth captivated the audience with an engaging discussion, delving into topics such as hearing protection and dispelling common misconceptions.

Some of the feedback from members of the NYO highlighted the impact of the session:

“As someone passionate about music, I found it extremely beneficial to learn how to protect my hearing in the long term.”

“It’s eye-opening to realise the importance of maintaining good hearing, especially for musicians who often take it for granted.”

“This session was incredibly informative, shedding light on aspects of hearing I wasn’t aware of.”

The seminar sparked a significant shift in confidence levels regarding hearing health management. Initially, the average response to the question “how confident do you feel about managing your hearing health” was 2.8 out of 5, with most responses falling between 1 and 3 out of 5. However, by the session’s conclusion, the average response surged to 4.3 out of 5, with an overwhelming 96% feeling confident, rating 4 to 5 out of 5.

This transformation underscores the pivotal role of education and awareness in safeguarding the hearing health of young musicians. By arming them with knowledge and resources, we empower them to nurture their musical passion while prioritising their well-being.

As echoed by NYO members, it’s not just about preserving our ears—it’s about ensuring the longevity of our musical journey.

If your organisation is interested in our Hearing Health Seminars, please call us or complete below for more information.

Other articles you may be interested in:

How We Help Musicians With Hyperacusis

Reflecting on 8 Years of The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

Protecting Musicians’ Hearing: Reflecting on 8 Years of The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme

A Symphony of Sound, A Symphony of Safety

Having recently come across this article highlighting famous musicians with hearing loss, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on the last few years of our work protecting those at risk of noise-induced hearing loss through music.

As a passionate advocate for preserving the auditory prowess of musicians, I am thrilled to share the remarkable journey of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme; founded in collaboration with Help Musicians UK (HMUK), the Musicians’ Union (MU), and the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), our initiative stands as a beacon of support and education for musicians across the nation, safeguarding the hearing health of our musical community.

The Score: What We’ve Achieved

Since its inception in 2016, our scheme has resonated with over 18,500 musicians across the UK. These artists—whether they wield guitars, violins, or drumsticks—have walked through our doors seeking more than just music. They’ve come for their most precious instrument: their ears.

Here’s the crescendo of what the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme offers:

At the heart of our scheme lies comprehensive hearing assessments tailored specifically for musicians. These assessments, conducted by our expert audiologists at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians Hearing Services, are designed to detect early signs of hearing damage and provide personalized recommendations for protection and preservation.

One of the most significant aspects of our scheme is the provision of heavily subsidized hearing protection. Recognising the financial constraints often faced by musicians, we are committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to safeguarding their hearing. Through our partnership with industry-leading manufacturers, we offer top-quality earplugs and custom-made ear molds at accessible rates, empowering musicians to protect their most precious asset: their hearing.

However, our efforts extend beyond mere provision. Education lies at the core of our initiative. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of noise-induced hearing loss and empowering musicians with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their hearing health. Workshops, seminars, and online resources serve as invaluable tools in this endeavor, equipping musicians with practical strategies for mitigating risk and promoting long-term auditory wellness.

The Overture: Why It Matters

Recent news articles have underscored the urgency of our mission. High-profile cases such as Dave Grohl and other renowned musicians grappling with hearing loss and tinnitus serve as poignant reminders of the pervasive threat posed by excessive noise exposure. These stories highlight the stark reality that no musician is immune to the potential consequences of unchecked noise exposure.

As we reflect on our achievements thus far, we are buoyed by the transformative impact of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Beyond the numbers lie countless stories of musicians whose careers have been safeguarded, whose passion has been preserved, and whose futures have been secured—all thanks to the unwavering support of our partners and the dedication of our team.

The Encore: Your Role

Our work is far from over. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing the hearing health of musicians nationwide. Together, we can ensure that future generations of musicians continue to share their gifts with the world, unencumbered by the spectre of hearing loss.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. Your support, dedication, and advocacy are the driving forces behind our mission, and it is through our collective efforts that we will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of musicians everywhere.

Matthew Allsop, Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services

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.

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.