Ignoring your ears' discomfort can have rather surprising consequences in other areas of your body-and your life. Louder is not equal to better. Violinists and violists exhibited poorer hearing in their lefts ear than in their right. Pianists practicing on grand pianos in small practice rooms should also be very aware of the dangers of damaging the small delicate hair cells in their inner ears. Several types of ear protectors filter out higher frequencies while giving musical sounds a bass tone.
Common earplugs cause the sound of one's voice to vibrate in the empty area of the ear canal.
A musician's earplug is now available that attenuates sound and mirrors the natural response of the open ear. ER-25 is highly recommended for percussionists and rock musicians. Acoustic materials should be installed in walls and ceilings of rehearsal halls to absorb and reduce sound. We should wear protective hearing devices that screen out damaging levels of sound. The effects of noise induced hearing loss, regardless of one's age, are irreversible.