Talking About Hearing: Vicky Beeching and Charlie Hall Confess Our audiologist friend, Michael Santucci, shares our dedication in fighting noise-induced hearing loss among musicians. We wondered – what are a couple of our featured artists doing to protect their hearing … and yours? We know that many performers are in denial about the risks. We asked singer-songwriters and leading Christian artists Vicky Beeching and Charlie Hall to participate in a very small poll. Here’s what they had to say.
			Are you aware of the risks associated with music and noise-induced hearing loss? Vicky: Yes and I know there is far more I have yet to learn about this subject. It’s easy to not think about how damaging loud noise levels can be. I want to be proactive while I’m still young. Since prevention is always better than the cure. (Editor’s Note: There is no cure for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.) Charlie: My wife is always saying that I can’t hear her very well, so I think about it often. I know there’s great technology for protecting our ears these days. I‘m trying to jump on board. What are you doing to protect your hearing (or your audiences')? Vicky: In rehearsals I wear earplugs – with all of us playing so close together in a room, the volume can get way louder than we realize! Live, I use Shure E5 in-ears and the PSM® system. It reduces loud stage noise caused by live drums and loud stage monitors. It means I can get just what I need in my ears and be protected from unnecessary stage volume levels.
				For audiences, I try to get the music just loud enough that they can sing along without feeling self-conscious, but never so loud that it will damage their hearing. We use noise-level monitors and have a fixed decibel limit, so its not just a subjective opinion about how loud is loud enough. Charlie: I agree. I use PSM too, which also makes it simpler for the house guy to mix at safe levels for the audience Have you had your hearing tested by an audiologist? Vicky: No, but now that you’ve mentioned it, I probably will. Thanks for the advice! Charlie: As a matter of fact, I’m going for the first time this week.
	Also in this issue: Hearing Conservation    Dr. Heargood: Sensaphonic's Mike Santucci New Frontiers: The Charlie Hall Interview Two Artists Speak About Hearing    The Shure Calendar Product Spotlight: Shure Earphones    Shure Notes™ Archive Change My Preferences    E-mail to a Friend     Privacy Policy