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T H E WRONG NOT E How Musicians Can Protect Their Hearing
loud levels of sound for upward of six hours a day. This exposure can lead to severe tinnitus and hearing loss, which can threaten a musician’s ability to play music as well as decrease their overall health. Fortunately, there are simple ways musicians can protect their hearing. ●Wear earplugs. ●When playing music, stand behind the speakers or have the speakers pointed away from you. ● Take breaks when practicing. Reducing the duration of time your ears are continually exposed to loud noise can help prevent hearing loss. While classical musicians may have a higher risk for hearing loss, the reality is musicians of any genre run the risk of damaging their hearing if they don’t take proper precautions. If you have a child who plays music, be sure they learn how to protect their hearing from a young age. If you think you may be suffering from sudden or chronic hearing loss as a result of playing music, give us a call at 512.550.0321. Our audiologist can provide a comprehensive hearing test and help you address any problems related to hearing loss you may be struggling with.
Which instrument is more likely to result in hearing loss: an electric guitar or a Stradivarius violin? Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, looked into this question, and you might be surprised by the answer. “Generally, it’s assumed that rock ‘n’ rollers are at greater risk for hearing loss,” says Dr. Ross Tonini, an audiologist from Baylor. “But it’s actually classical musicians who have higher rates of noise-induced hearing loss.” Dr. Tonini’s research matched the findings of a Norwegian study conducted in 2016. The study examined one of Norway’s largest classical orchestras and determined that classical musicians are at an “extreme risk” for hearing loss. Researchers found that “hearing impairment is a significant problem for 43.6 percent of the musicians” and “76.9 percent of the musicians experience tinnitus [ringing in the ears] of varying frequencies.” Since classical music is held in such high esteem, it’s easy to forget that the beautiful sound is noise. But violins can reach 103 decibels, a noise level higher than most power tools. To put this in perspective, the World Health Organization recommends 85 decibels to be the upper limit of noise exposure in the workplace. On average, classical musicians are exposed to dangerously
LAUGH! HAVE A
Spicy Salmon Tartare This delicious tartare is the perfect healthy alternative to gut-busting game-day dips. Serve alongside your favorite chips or crackers for an appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons grape seed or vegetable oil Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• • • • •
1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
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1/4 teaspoon lime zest
1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
Crackers or chips, for serving
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1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced
Directions
1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes. 4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. 5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.
Inspired by Epicurious
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