Many of my pupils are either already in, or are starting to get involved in bands. This is awesome, and it also gives me a great deal of satisfaction as their teacher to see them making that progression. However, one thing which I cannot stress enough is the importance of using ear protection.
As a musician, your ears are the most important tool you have at your disposal. So if you value your abilities as a musician and hopefully your future/current career, you must look after them!
At 29, I’m a guy who has played and been to countless gigs over the years, the majority of which were pretty loud. It goes with the territory, especially if you’re of a more rock persuasion like myself. Unfortunately, sensible ‘look after your ears Wayne’ didn’t come along until I was in my early 20’s. As a result I now have a permanent hiss in my ears, otherwise known as Tinnitus. Its pretty horrible sometimes, you all know this hiss or ringing from having been to gigs and concerts I’m sure. Now, imagine that hiss being a permanent presence in your life….. Not cool right?
I’m pretty lucky, when I decided to start using ear plugs I stuck to it pretty well and so my tinnitus is only slight. I dread to think what my hearing would be like now if I simply hadn’t bothered.
Protecting your ears doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and it’s likely to be some of the most important kit you will ever buy. A reasonable set can come in at under £20 (just don’t go for the really cheap foam inserts). A decent set of plugs will not muffle or diminish the sound other than to take a bit of the high end out (the stuff that does most of the damage). For this reason, I found it pretty easy to get used to wearing them and would do so at every rehearsal and gig that I went to. I still wear them now when I’m simply going out to watch local bands.
Here is an example of what you’re looking for at £19.99.
Below is a video of Andy Timmons, a brilliant guitarist who played in Danger Danger, Pawn Kings, and Andy Timmons Band. He has been playing since before 1989 and comments on how being surrounded by loud music for most of his life has severely damaged his hearing. Paul Gilbert who I went to see last year also has the same problems. Skip to 8 minutes to get right to it.