New studies suggest that hearing problems are starting to develop in people much younger than usually expected— and marching band participants are especially susceptible. ACU-LIFE Premium Music Earplugs from Health Enterprises are hoping to be part of the solution to this problem.
“More than 25 percent of high school seniors who play in band suffer some type of hearing loss that is irreparable,” says Brendan Leonard, president of Health Enterprises. “This is serious.”
These special musician’s earplugs differ from traditional foam earplugs in that they do not block out sound—they reduce sound with a special open-fl ow technology. Harmful impact is kept out of the ear while allowing musicians to still hear themselves and others play as well as directions from the podium.
This technology also prevents the “stuffed-up” feeling sometimes experienced by people wearing traditional earplugs.
“For the price of a Coke and burger, you could offer hearing protection,” Leonard says.
While many bands see earplugs as an optional luxury or just for drummers, Leonard urges all musicians to use them.
“Whether it’s ours or someone else’s, use it—because the cost of not doing it cannot be reversed,” Leonard says.
Contact Health Enterprises for special not-for-profit rates.
