Sweetwater partners with Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to tackle hearing loss among music industry professionals: “Once the damage is done, there’s no going back to ‘normal’”Sweetwater has teamed up with the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to provide support for the growing number of music industry professionals facing hearing loss.
A new Hearing Health Fund, launched by the two organisations, gives those working in the music industry access to a free, three-part hearing screening with a certified audiologist, and free Etymotic Research ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs to protect their ears as they continue to work.

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As part of a free consultation, successful applicants will also benefit from a review of their screening results, with recommendations on how to continue caring for their hearing, plus general and individualised education on hearing health and personal sound exposure.
Musicians and other industry workers are at high risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory health problems due to repeated exposure to loud sounds. Research shared in light of the partnership states that 7 in 10 music venue staff are exposed to noise levels above the daily recommended limit, with only 15 percent of workers reported to be using hearing protection regularly.
Todd Page, MD – Sweetwater’s in-house physician who provides medical care for employees and their families – states, “Screening is essential to protecting musicians from hearing loss because once the damage is done, there’s no going back to ‘normal.’
“It’s heartbreaking telling a fellow musician their tinnitus isn’t fixable; that it’s too late to reverse it, and all they can do is adapt and try to keep it from progressing. Getting musicians to respect the need for hearing protection despite a sense of ‘it won’t happen to me’ is so important when they’re just starting their musical journey.”
Aric Steinberg, Executive Director at the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, adds: “We’re thrilled to partner with Sweetwater to bring this vital resource to our music community, as we share a goal to keep musicians healthy. Music-induced hearing loss and disorders are 100 percent preventable. Our free hearing health screenings are another way for Sweet Relief to care for musicians and to help ensure that people of all income levels have access to quality medical resources.”
Music industry professionals based in the US can apply now for support from the Hearing Health Fund. Shop a massive range of musical instruments and gear at Sweetwater.
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