Research focus on hearing protection
Our focus is on hearing protection. We address the question of which hearing protection tools musicians use in practice to protect their hearing, or what are the technical, psychological or social reasons why they sometimes do not protect their hearing. The focus is on the whole range of performers, from schoolchildren and students during their education, to amateur formations, professional orchestras and professional formations.
Linking research with teaching and education is a priority goal of our research department. With the research focus on hearing protection, we are pursuing a topic that is of direct relevance to the professional practice of our students. To realise our projects, we apply for third-party funding from research funding agencies, foundations and funds. We strive to cooperate with actors in the educational, cultural, economic and health sectors and initiate research and development projects in cooperation with partners such as public authorities, associations, technical and professional organisations as well as university institutes and partner universities.
Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions!
Hearing protection at music schools and colleges
With this project, we would like to make the music-making public more aware of hearing protection and encourage the topic to be anchored in music schools and universities of music.
Hearing protection for amateur formations
Many amateur musicians (especially in Guggen bands, brass bands and bands with electronic amplification) are exposed to sound levels when playing that are potentially damaging to hearing. But despite widespread knowledge about the risk of harm, hearing protection practice is still not sufficiently established in Switzerland.
Hearing protection in professional orchestras
Professional orchestral musicians are exposed in their profession to sound levels that are potentially damaging to hearing. This has been known for some time and is well documented. However, despite scientific progress, the development of hearing protection practice in Switzerland is stagnating: While hearing protection is standard in other professions, it is not yet sufficiently established in orchestras.
Hearing protection for the public
How can we counteract hearing damage caused by excessively loud music? Collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), funded by the Federal Office of Public Health FOPH (Bundesamt für Gesundheit, BAG).