20,000 musicians receive hearing protection support

Since launching the service in 2017, we are proud to have supported over 20,000 musicians with preventative hearing health. 

Together, Help Musicians and Musicians’ Hearing Services offer musicians access to hearing assessments and custom-made ear plugs at an affordable rate. 

This scheme is carried out by audiological experts and includes an assessment, education and practical advice on how to protect your hearing. 

More than 20,000 musicians have now had their applications approved and have received support by attending their appointments. 

Hitting this major milestone in partnership with Musicians’ Hearing Services and Harley Street Hearing is a major achievement.

Noise induced hearing loss is 100% irreversible but 100% preventable. 

A life in music is exciting and rewarding. It’s a job where making noise is essential, but letting it damage your hearing isn’t. 

Some of the risks to a musician’s hearing are obvious – performing live and rehearsals can become dangerously loud; but they aren’t the only times during the day where there’s risks. 

Just being in a noisy town can pose dangers, whilst journeys on public transport have been proven to be some of the loudest moments of a normal day. 

“It’s not just the volume levels but the duration, and the duration is cumulative. It’s not like at midnight everything resets for the next day. Musicians have to take into account not just their musical exposure but what happens over the week. Day-to-day sounds, like being on a tube for example, can have an effect on a musician’s exposure.” Fiona Butterworth — Clinical Lead at Harley Street Hearing 

Through our work, we want everyone working in music to know about these risks and the simple steps we can take to help avoid irreversible noise induced hearing loss. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported this work through donations and awareness raising, we continue to offer affordable access to clinical specialists and top-quality hearing protection. 

Visit our hearing protection page to find out about eligibility and apply.