For Your Ears Only
Article by Sean Mitchell // June 02 2007
Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably well aware of the dangers we as drummers face when it comes to hearing loss. Being that the average drummer produces sound well above 85db, it only takes a layman to recognize the importance of hearing protection.
It has been reported that approximately 65% of Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductees suffer from some form of hearing loss. Alarming stats indeed when you consider how much we depend on our ears. Gone are the days of stuffing cotton in your ear to prevent future hearing aid use. Today's technology and understanding of hearing loss allows us to protect our most valuable asset without sacrificing a quality monitor mix.
The chart below compares the sound pressure levels (without hearing protection) of the drumkit, the stage and the Marshall stacks to everyday situations and their potential for hearing damage. If these facts and figures don't make you want to get fitted for in-ear monitors, nothing will.
About the Author
Sean has 15 years experience behind the kit, studying under greats like Mitch Dorge and participating in master classes with Dom Famularo and Zoro. It was these life-changing exchanges that prompted the Canadian-born drummer to create a global drumming community, The Black Page, that was easily accessible to drummers of all backgrounds and levels of expertise. In addition to his work with BP, Sean is one-half of the world soul group The Mitchells.
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