As a DJ, you are constantly exposed to loud noise. This can be damaging to your hearing and lead to tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. But there are ways to protect your hearing. By following some simple tips, you can avoid tinnitus and keep your ears healthy.
Understanding Tinnitus: What DJs Need to Know
As a DJ, you know all about the importance of ear protection and how exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing damage over time. But one issue you might not have thought as much about is tinnitus, which often develops after being exposed to too much noise without proper protection. While it’s a condition that can affect anyone, people who work in environments with lots of loud sounds (such as DJs) are at higher risk. Fortunately, understanding tinnitus can help you make sure your job doesn’t come with any unexpected side effects for your ears! It may not be the most glamorous topic imaginable – but trust us when we say that educating yourself on tinnitus will be worth far more than playing the same clean tunes on repeat.
Tinnitus is a condition that causes a person to hear ringing or buzzing in their ears. It can range from a mild and occasional sound to a loud and persistent noise that interferes with daily life. The most common symptom of tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, but it can also manifest as a humming, whistling, or roaring sound. Other symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the ears, sensitivity to sound, and difficulty hearing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak to a medical professional to determine the cause.
Wear Ear Protection at Gigs
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hearing is to wear ear protection when you are DJing. While playing loud music, it can be easy to forget that you need to take care of your ears – but this should never be forgotten! Earplugs or headphones designed to block sound can significantly reduce noise exposure and protect your ears from damage.
There are a few types of ear protection available, such as foam earplugs or custom-fitted earpieces. Foam earplugs are the most popular option and provide good sound reduction without being uncomfortable to wear. Custom-fitted earpieces offer a tailored fit but may be more expensive than foam earplugs.
Additionally, you should make sure that the volume of your headphones or speakers is not too loud. It may be tempting to crank it up, but this can cause further hearing loss over time. Investing in a pair of high-quality (and comfortable) headphones can help you avoid this problem and ensure that your music sounds great without putting unnecessary strain on your ears.
Managing Volume Levels: Best Practices for DJs
In addition to using ear protection, there are several best practices that DJs should follow when it comes to managing volume levels.
Avoid positioning the main speakers behind you or directly next to you while performing, as this can further increase the risk of hearing damage. Additionally, be sure to keep a distance from any speakers while setting up, as they can produce a lot of sound even at low volumes. Finally, make sure that the volume level is not too loud for the venue or festival you are performing at.
Monitor the sound levels throughout the night and adjust them as needed, especially if you notice that any members of the audience are covering their ears. Sound levels are measured in decibels, abbreviated dB. The recommended maximum sound level for any environment should be around 90dB, but it can vary depending on the venue and type of event you are performing at.
There are devices you can use to check the sound levels in a venue, such as a Decibel Meter/Sound Pressue Level Reader (SPL).
There are also apps for your smartphone and smartwatch to help you check the sound levels:
- NIOSH Sound Level Meter – Free (iPhone)
- NoiSee – $0.99 (iPhone)
- Sound Meter – Free (Android)
- SoundPrint – Free (iOS and Android)
Take Regular Breaks
Another way to protect your hearing is to take regular breaks during DJ sets. This will give your ears a rest from the loud noise and allow them to recover from any potential damage. If possible, try to step away from your equipment for a few minutes each hour. This will help reduce the risk of developing tinnitus and allow you to perform better in the long run.
Hard as this may seem, try not to DJ a number of nights in a row. This will give your ears a chance to recover better.
Seek Professional Advice if Needed
If you’re concerned about your hearing, it’s best to seek professional advice. Make an appointment with an audiologist to have your hearing tested and get advice on how to protect it. Make sure you see a specialist as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your hearing.
This will help you develop a plan to reduce the risk of developing tinnitus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to take steps to protect your hearing when you are DJing. Investing in ear protection and monitoring the sound levels of your equipment will help reduce the risk of tinnitus or other hearing-related issues. Additionally, taking regular breaks from playing and seeking professional advice if needed is important when it comes to protecting your hearing. Following these tips will help ensure that you can continue to enjoy DJing for years to come.
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