Are you a musician? If you sing, dance, or play an instrument, you have more knowledge about sound than most people, knowledge that gives you a discerning ear. You’re likely particular about the type of equipment you use to make and consume music, and you may already be experiencing some hearing loss from noisy venues and performances. It’s time to talk about your main instrument—your ears—and how to find the right hearing aids and other hearing protection to keep you making music for years to come.
What to Look For in Hearing Aids for Musicians
A lot has changed in the field of hearing technology. There are so many options now, the musically inclined don’t need to retire or give up their passion because of hearing loss. Furthermore, because musicians tend to be particular about how they hear the full range of sounds, they need hearing aids and hearing protection that will enhance their listening experience. Good hearing aids for musicians should have:
- Pure sound – hearing aids that don’t compress the sound so you don’t miss any of the dynamics
- Different settings – hearing aids that adapt to different types of music in different environments
- Fine-tuning – hearing aids with adjustments for different voices and sounds that make all sounds comfortable and safe
- Amplification limits – hearing aids that can be programmed not to amplify beyond certain decibel limits
It’s important to remember that even musicians without hearing loss need ear protection. Many of the above features can also be found in other hearing tech. If you’re curious about your options for hearing aids and other hearing protection, you can check out this post from our sister practice, RK Audiology.
When in doubt, you should seek the advice of a hearing professional who understands music and what it means to be a musician. With that in mind, it’s time to meet Angie.
Spotlight: Angie Wooten
Staff Audiologist and Musician
Angie has been helping find and tune the most appropriate hearing aids for musicians and music lovers for some time. She is herself a musician, as well as a board member with the Austin Friends of Traditional Music. She mainly plays the banjo in a traditional music setting. For many years, Angie worked in an ENT setting in Austin, and then owned her own audiology private practice in Marble Falls. When not helping clients find better hearing solutions, Angie can be found playing music, kayaking, spending time with family, hiking with her husband and their pup, Pearl, and traveling to find the next adventure!
Schedule an appointment to come down to Austin Hearing Aid Center to talk to Angie and get fitted for some hearing aids—or other hearing protection—and keep groovin’!