How to Protect Your Ears in the Studio

When you're involved with music you're ears are you're most important features so to say. If you don't protect your ears then you can't listen, mix or even analyze music the right and correct way. Here are some ways to protect your ear's sensitivity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Common Sense
• Ear Plugs

1. Headphones: When using headphones, you should always make sure to set the volume levels right. Having the volume up to loud can cause permanate damage to your ears. Set the headphone rather low as your ears will adapt and adjust to the sound. Having the headphones up to loud can really throw off your mixing capabilities if you're a producer. The sound signal can be very dangerous if up to high therefore causing you ear drums to rattle even after you've taken the headphones off. Also remember to take breaks from listening when using headphones for a long period of time. Also make sure that if you're mixing using headphone to cut the mics off because the feedback can ring your ears like a telephone call.
2. Speakers: Most producers or musicians that use monitor speakers (those big speakers) sit right in front of them in order to get a perfect mix. Although mixing with headphones is a better technique, some use the monitor speakers for the booming sound. But is all that booming hurting your ears? The answer is yes! Turning the speakers down to a minimum is actually the best way to get a perfect mix but if you're listening just for pleasure, had the volume range at a moderate level. Not up to the point where everything in the studio is shaking including the ground, but have it set where it's comfortable but not too over the top.
3. Live Instruments: When playing or recording live instruments, the best way to conserve your hearing is by using ear plugs. Loud instruments such as guitars, drums and other percussion can cause your ears to ring if the signals get to loud. Do yourself a favor and invest in some type of ear protection. The sound that comes from electric guitars can be ear piercing, literally if not filtered by the right amp so always be prepared to either cover or ears or get ear plugs. Lots of rock bands even use ear plugs while their on stage if their using electric guitars and keyboards, take a tip from them and stay safe. Remember you only get one set of ears, so don't blow them out before it's time.