Listening Beyond the Notes: Protecting Musicians' Most Important Instrument

Your Ears Are Your Most Important Instrument

In the latest episode of the Wisconsin Music Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hannah Zdroik, a doctor of audiology and gold-certified music audiologist, whose mission is to revolutionize hearing care for musicians. With her rich background as a musician and theater educator, Hannah is at the forefront of providing solutions to protect the musician's most vital instrument: their ears.

An Audiological Journey

Dr. Zdroik's journey into audiology is rooted in her early experiences with music and theater, inspired by her mother, a musician and music therapist. Her love for science and acoustics naturally led her to audiology, a field that beautifully bridges her passion for music and the performing arts with her desire to help others.

Ears: The Unsung Instrument

Hannah emphasizes the significance of ears in a musician's toolkit, describing them as the most important instrument. Our daily reliance on hearing—from communication to music appreciation—highlights the need for dedicated care and protection. Musicians, often exposed to high decibel levels, face unique challenges like tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other music-induced hearing disorders.

Combating Hearing Challenges

To combat these challenges, Hannah underscores the importance of sound safety scales, such as those provided by OSHA and NIOSH. She offers practical solutions like filtered earplugs, which maintain sound clarity while lowering volume, and the innovative 3D Music Enhancement Device, which allows for customizable frequency tuning. These tools are essential for musicians wanting to protect their hearing without sacrificing sound quality.

Stigma and Awareness in Hearing Health

Another significant hurdle is the stigma around hearing protection and aids. Hannah is committed to educating the public and advocating for hearing health. She aims to shift perceptions so earplugs and hearing aids become accepted and appreciated tools for preserving hearing.

Expanding Accessibility in Audiology and Theater

Beyond audiology, Hannah is a passionate advocate for inclusivity in the arts. Through her work with organizations like Music Cares and Tuned, she's providing musicians with national telehealth consultations, increasing accessibility to specialized hearing care across the country.

Advice for Musicians and the Next Generation

Hannah advises musicians to be proactive about ear protection, recommending affordable and effective options like the Etymotic Research ER 20 Xs. Her long-term goal is to expand her impact, raise awareness about sound safety, and ensure theaters and music venues become havens of inclusivity and accessibility.

The Youth and Hearing Health

A concerning trend is the increasing hearing loss among today's youth, attributed to constant headphone use and high-volume listening. Hannah emphasizes the importance of sound level awareness and encourages usage of device output limiters to protect young ears.

Conclusion

Dr. Hannah Zdroik's expertise and passion are truly transforming how musicians approach hearing health. Her commitment to advocacy, education, and community impact serves as inspiration for musicians and non-musicians alike. By prioritizing our hearing health, we can enjoy the music we love for years to come. For those interested in learning more about Dr. Zdroik’s work or seeking hearing protection solutions, visit her website, Melody Audiology, LLC, or connect on her social media platforms. --- This episode encapsulates the essence of the Wisconsin Music Podcast's mission to spotlight local talent and voices making a difference. Join us every Tuesday for more insightful conversations, all available on your favorite streaming platforms and YouTube. If you're enjoying our episodes, consider supporting us through secure donations on our website or join the conversation on our social media pages. Together, let's amplify the great sounds coming out of the Wisconsin State.