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. The aim of this study is to find out which factors (technical, cognitive, social) influence hearing protection practice in Swiss professional orchestras. The study sees itself as a "missing link" between theoretical knowledge (damage potential is known) and implementation in practice (hearing protection is rarely used). It is a continuation of the BAG study (2016) on audience hearing protection.
Workshop for Orchestral Musicians
The study clearly shows, among other things, that professional orchestral musicians consider their personal risk of suffering hearing damage as a result of their professional activities to be significantly lower than it actually is.
The workshop, which lasts about 1 ½ hours and which is based on the most important results, is therefore intended to sensitise affected orchestra musicians and to show who should protect themselves why and how to avoid hearing damage.
For further details and to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Project title
Hearing protection in professional orchestras
Cooperation
Cooperation with the Association of Swiss Professional Orchestras (Verband Schweizerischer Berufsorchester).
Financing
Funding by SUVA
Project duration
August 2018 to December 2019
