Film about hearing problems in orchestras
How do you bring the results of scientific research to the people who immediately benefit from it? By making a film, thought the researchers of LUMC and AMC after completing their study of hearing problems among musicians. On 12 January, Unbelievably LOUD went in première.
Study among 250 musicians
On the basis of American and Scandinavian research it has already been known for some time that professional (orchestra) musicians have hearing problems. Following a request by the twelve professional symphony orchestras of the Netherlands, researchers at the LUMC and the AMC began their own study of this problem among 250 musicians. The study was completed in 2009. The symptoms of hearing loss are mostly buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) and abnormal sensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis). ‘Showing what is wrong is one thing,’ says Dr Jan de Laat, clinical physician/audiologist at the LUMC, ‘but how do you make sure that the information spreads so that preventive measures can be taken?’
Unbelievably LOUD
One of the ways to inform musicians is the 30-minute Unbelievably LOUD (Ongehoord HARD) film), about Gaby Kaihatu, a successful singer and music teacher with a hearing problem. The film sketches in an impressive way Kaihatu’s struggle and dilemmas, both in her private life and in her profession; for a passionate musician, hearing loss is not only a terrible disability, but often also a serious psychological shock.
Ever-increasing sound level
The sound level in a musician’s professional life is constantly increasing. And this applies not only to amplified music. ‘A modern violin easily produces 20 decibels more than a hundred-year-old one,’ says De Laat. In addition, musicians are often confronted with this high sound level for hours on end.
Preventative measures
There are a number of possible preventative measures, says De Laat. ‘The most important thing is that musicians themselves are critical and ensure their own hearing protection, particularly during rehearsals. A number of well-functioning, custom-made ear pieces are available for this purpose. They might sometimes be inconvenient at first, but once they are comfortably inserted in the ear, they are easy to get used to. Furthermore, it is important to remain critical with respect to the acoustics of the space in which you play. Music teachers, for instance, can demand that their classrooms are equipped with sound-damping facilities.’
Variation in podium height
One preventative measure that was applied at the Doelen Complex in Rotterdam is the creation of a number of different heights on the podium, as a result of which musicians no longer play into the ear of the person in front of them. ‘In addition, some instruments produce much more sound than others, and you can decrease the noise’ using suitable sound screens. Finally, there is programming. Don't plan too many loud pieces one after the other on the programme,’ says De Laat.
Moved to tears
The DVD of the ‘Ongehoord HARD’ movie can be found on the website of ongehoordhard. ‘The première, at the New Year reception on 12 January at the Otorhinolaryngology Department, was very emotional, and a number of people were even moved to tears,’ says De Laat. ‘In this case, prevention really is better than a cure.’
(17 January 2012)
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