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How MusiCares Helps The Music Community Protect Their Hearing Year-Round

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Experiencing hearing loss as a musician—or anyone, for that matter—can be a life-changing ordeal. But there's hope via MusiCares, who offers programs centered around hearing health and damage prevention.
Hannah Kulis
MusiCares
Oct 8, 2021 - 2:49 pm

Proper hearing is vital for a career in music, arguably more so than in any other career. But the constant exposure to loud noise that often accompanies a career in the industry frequently leads to serious hearing damage.

According to a study of the health insurance records of nearly 7 million people, professional musicians are almost four times more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss than other people.

The study also shows that music professionals are 57 percent more likely to experience tinnitus because of their jobs. What's more, hearing damage is irreversible—so preventing hearing loss in the first place is crucial for career longevity in music.

This idea is central to the work of MusiCares, a safety net for the music industry that provides preventative, emergency, and recovery programs to support the health and welfare of music people. This October, MusiCares is celebrating "Protect Your Hearing Month" with a series of events focused on hearing health and damage prevention.

Although the organization is dedicating this month to the topic, supporting hearing protection for music people is an ongoing effort for the MusiCares team—365 days a year.

In 2014, MusiCares launched a new initiative to help prevent hearing loss in the music community by providing free custom-fit earplugs to music industry professionals across the country. MusiCares set up a series of clinics at festivals, concert venues, and music companies, where hearing professionals created molds of participants' ears, which are then used to create custom earplugs.

The process takes no more than 10 minutes, so busy crew members, musicians, and artists can get fitted for their earplugs and quickly return to their work. The molds are then sent to one of MusiCares' partners, such as 1 of 1 Custom, who create the custom-fit earplugs and ship them directly to each music industry professional.

Since the program's inception, MusiCares has provided complimentary custom-fit earplugs to 23,912 music industry professionals at 479 clinics throughout the country. The program's cost to date is more than $3,910,596, meaning MusiCares has spent almost $4 million dollars on hearing damage prevention for the music industry. 

In addition to its Hearing Clinics, MusiCares also provides monetary support for hearing health via medical grants. Music professionals can use these grants to purchase hearing aids, buy hearing protection, or visit an audiologist.

One of our MusiCares clients, a 57-year-old professional drummer, said it best: "This is amazing and so helpful. Having hearing trouble as a musician, or anyone for that matter, can be scary and a real challenge. [Hearing aids are] such a tremendous help, [and] I can't thank you enough...I really appreciate all you do."

*For more information on our hearing clinics or medical grants, visit our Get Help section.

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A Safety Guide To Decibel Levels And How To Stop Hearing Loss Before It's Too Late

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Professional musicians are almost four times more likely to suffer noise-induced hearing loss than the average person. Here's how to stop hearing loss before it's too late.
Taj Mayfield
MusiCares
Oct 22, 2021 - 2:47 pm

Who among us hasn’t come home from a long night with a little ringing in the ears? And if you’re in the music industry, those nights are more frequent than not. Worse yet, that ringing can linger and get worse before it gets better. If you find yourself frequently having to ask someone to come closer or repeat what they said so you can hear them better, this safety guide is for you.

First, it's important to understand how sound is measured and where everyday sounds rank on the measurement scale. Sounds are measured in waves, which are quantified by decibels(dB), with 0 dB signaling near silence and the softest sound that humans can hear by ear. According to hearing solutions company Miracle-Ear, a whisper measures in at about 30 db, normal conversations are about 60 db, movie theaters range between 80 to 100 db, and live music tops all common sounds with a range of 100 to 115 db.

For further comparison, the Hearing Health Foundation slots live music decibel levels somewhere in between a jackhammer and a thunderclap. But unlike a jackhammer or thunderclap, concerts don't last mere seconds and aren't sounds people try to stay as far away from as possible.

While decibels are a key quantifier when determining whether you're at risk of hearing damage, that measurement is just one of three keys to figuring out when sounds should be considered dangerous. In addition to how loud the sound is (decibels), the important factors to remember are how close the sound is (proximity), and how long you’re exposed to the noise (time).

If nothing else from this guide sticks, when assessing loud environments, remember the acronym DPT (decibels, proximity, time), and the corny joke that accompanies it: Doctor of Physical Therapy, as in, "I wish I could visit a physical therapist for hearing damage, but, sadly, the effects are irreversible."

Frequent exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to permanent damage. In fact, over 15 minutes of sounds at 100 decibels or just one minute of sounds at 110 decibels could result in permanent hearing loss. The time needed to produce that damage decreases even more exponentially for every 10 decibel increase. 

This leaves musicians, crew members, artists, and anyone else who makes a living off live music especially susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss.

According to scientists at the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology and a study of over 7 million health insurance records, professional musicians are nearly four times more likely to suffer from noise-induced hearing loss than the average person, and about 57 percent suffer from constant ringing in their ears, a condition known as tinnitus.

So how can musicians and other live music professionals continue to earn a living without the full risk of irreversible hearing damage?

Recognizing when decibel levels are too loud is the first step. There are several professional-grade sound meter apps available for free in the app store, including Decibel X and NIOSH Sound Level Meter App. By using your phone's microphone to record as little as three seconds of surrounding audio, you're able to take the first step in protecting your ears from harmful noise levels.

If the noise level registers in dangerous territory, protecting your ears can be as simple as taking one step back. (Remember, DPT.) Just one step back decreases your proximity to the noise and your chances of hearing loss.

If lowering the sound levels or moving farther away from the source isn't possible or applicable, earplugs are the best solution. As part of their year-round hearing protection program for music industry professionals, MusiCares has offered free custom-fit earplugs to professionals across the country since 2014. MusiCares hosts hearing clinics at festivals, concert venues and music companies throughout the year, and the custom molding process takes no longer than 10 minutes.

Click here to learn more about how MusiCares is battling hearing loss in the music community.

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5 Reasons Donating Is The Best Holiday Gift This Year

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Taj Mayfield
MusiCares
Dec 9, 2021 - 12:24 pm

The holiday season is here, and with the holiday season comes a number of yearly traditions: Mariah Carey, festive sweaters and thoughtful gifts.

However, as we approach the two-year mark of a global pandemic, maybe it's time to embrace a new holiday tradition: donations.

Here's five reasons why you should welcome this new tradition.

More Impactful

As many put together wish lists, what's often forgotten is that there are people who don’t have food on the table and or the ability to handle basic medical needs. As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on music professionals everywhere, MusiCares brings back its Help for the Holidays program for a second year.

The program provides music professionals with financial aid to cover essential items like food, gas and prescriptions during the holiday season. In 2020, MusiCares administered 4,000 e-gift cards to those in need. Knowing you can help others with basic needs is a gift in itself.

Good For You and Others

Giving is scientifically proven to be good for you. In 2008, Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues found that despite participants predicting they’d be happier spending money on themselves, their happiness actually scored higher after giving to others.

According to UC Berkeley, a 2006 study by the National Institute of Health found that when people donate to charities, the areas of their brains associated with pleasure, social connection and trust create a "warm glow" effect. Along with inner feelings of warmth, researchers at John Hopkins University found that giving improves physical health and longevity in givers by helping decrease stress.

Decrease Stress

From colorful lights to matching pajamas, there's plenty of joy that comes with the holiday season. But there's another element that's just as common, yet rarely mentioned: the anxiety that comes along with giving gifts. Bankrate’s 2018 Holiday Gifting Survey found that nearly half of all Americans felt pressured to overspend on holiday gifts.

Dr. Suzanne Degges-White of Northern Illinois University said, "If you let yourself forget that Hallmark had it right when their tagline became, 'It's the thought that counts,' you can be swindled into spending a lot more than you can afford in your efforts to prove your affection and devotion."

Donating allows you to discreetly stay within your means while still showing how much you care.

Expand Your Reach

Giving a traditional gift is a simple A-to-B transaction. Donating expands that A-to-B exchange from two people to potentially hundreds, if not thousands or millions. For example, hosting a fundraiser through MusiCares' Help for the Holidays program allows the organization to help as many music professionals as possible, while also influencing others to kickstart their own fundraisers within the program.

Several studies show that public donations go well past a person's initial giving, as there's a direct correlation between one person giving and their peers following in their charitable footsteps. Author Simon Sinek explains the process best, simply writing, "Don't give to get. Give to inspire others to give."

Tax Benefits

Most people view gifts and donations as one in the same. While the definitions of the two may be nearly identical, one form of giving has a much larger financial impact over the other.

According to Pocket Sense, when a person gives money to a qualified 170(c) nonprofit organization, such as a charity or church, they can deduct their contribution amount from their taxable income for the year. As long as the donor has proof of their charitable contribution, they can deduct up to 50 percent of their annual income all while helping to fund a good cause.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, click here.  If you wish to support MusiCares' efforts to aid music professionals in need this holiday season, read more below.

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Painting of Jimi Hendrix by Joni Mitchell

Jimi Hendrix painting by Joni Mitchell

Photo Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

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MusiCares Charity Relief Auction Adds Exclusive Items From Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, BTS, Harry Styles & More

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The 64th Annual GRAMMY Week Event will also feature a never-before-seen painting of Jimmie Hendrix by MusiCares Person Of The Year 2022 Honoree Joni Mitchell
Taj Mayfield
MusiCares
Dec 8, 2021 - 8:07 am

Julien's Auctions announces additional marquee celebrity items to be sold at MusiCares Charity Relief Auction taking place live in Beverly Hills and online at juliensauctions.com on Jan. 30, 2022. The latest additions include exclusive memorabilia from Paul McCartney, BTS, Keith Richards, Harry Styles, Joni Mitchell, and many more. 

This Official GRAMMY Week event precedes the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards telecast on Jan. 31. Proceeds will benefit MusiCares, which provides the music community a support system of health and human services across a spectrum of needs, including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, unforeseen personal emergencies, and disaster relief.

Keith Richards signs a guitar

Photo: Jane Rose

Headed to the auction is an ebony Gibson ES-335, the cornerstone of the Gibson ES line-up, signed by Keith Richards along with a one-of-a-kind video authenticating his signature. With impeccable sounds across its wide-ranging tonal palette, the Gibson ES-335 has set an unmatched standard since its inaugural appearance in 1958 and can be found in the hands of jazz, blues, and rock players all over the globe. The item was donated by Gibson Gives and holds an estimate between $6,000 and $8,000.

Paul McCartney signs a guitar

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

Another highlight hitting the auction stage comes from music icon Paul McCartney. The Beatles legend is offering a signed sunburst Hofner brand B-Bass Hi Series violin bass guitar that holds an estimate of $4,000 to $6,000. McCartney helped make the Hofner violin bass guitar famous in the 1960s, as it was one of his main bass guitars that he played with The Beatles, notably at the Apple Rooftop concert and the Let It Be album recording sessions.

A BTS-signed guitar

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

BTS kicked off the initiative with the auction announcement of their custom-made ensembles (estimate: $30,000-$50,000) from their unforgettable "Dynamite" performance, which was filmed from Seoul, South Korea for the 63rd annual GRAMMY Awards. The septet will additionally be auctioning an Epiphone brand 56 Les Paul Pro ebony electric guitar signed by members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin and V on the body, and Jung Kook on the pickguard (estimate: $4,000 - $6,000). Another previously announced BTS item on offer is a group of three unique rings worn by j-hope, holding an estimate between $2,000 and $4,000.

Painting of Jimi Hendrix by Joni Mitchell

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

M​​usiCares Person Of The Year 2022 honoree Joni Mitchell's work will also be showcased in the auction with her offering of the artist proof print of her original oil painting of music icon, Jimi Hendrix (estimate: $2,000-$4,000). The proof will be signed and framed by Mitchell.

"I have always thought of myself as a painter derailed by circumstance," Mitchell said in 2000. "I sing my sorrow and I paint my joy."

Other notable items set to auction and their estimates include:

  • Bono's handwritten lyrics to U2's new song "Your Song Saved My Life" from the upcoming Sing 2 animated movie ($4,000-$6,000).
  • Gene Simmons' two limited-edition pieces of original artwork: Immortal ($1,000-$2,000) and Skull Candy ($1,000-$2,000).
     
  • A class white Gibson brand ES-355 Bigsby VOS electric acoustic guitar donated by Gibson Gives, signed by the late Tom Petty and accompanied with a limited-edition Tom Petty and the Wildflowers box set ($6,000-$8,000).
  • A gold Gibson ES-335 electric acoustic guitar signed by Harry Styles with the inscription "All my Love" and a heart symbol, along with "Watermelon Sugar" (2019, 2020) 7" pink-colored, inscribed record single signed by Styles, and three Polaroid-like photographs from the photo shoot for the song's music video ($3,000-$5,000).
  •  A black leather knee-length coat signed by Ozzy Osbourne four times in white marker on the back of the inside of the jacket ($1000- $2000).
  • Chris Stapleton's handwritten lyrics of "Broken Halos" inscribed on a polar white Fender Player Telecaster guitar ($2,000-$4,000).
  • A special item donated by the Chris Cornell Estate.

The star-studded pieces join a dazzling array of previously announced one-of-a-kind items being offered, including items from legendary acts like Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode, deadmau5, Demi Lovato, Dolly Parton, James Hetfield, Jason Aldean, Jeff Beck, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, Machine Gun Kelly, Slash, Scott Weiland, Tim McGraw and more.

For more information on the auction and its location, click here. Take a look at some of the items below.

A colorfull skull painting by Gene Simmons

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

Knee-length black leather coat signed by Ozzy Osbourne

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

Chris Stapleton's handwritten lyrics on white guitar

Photo: Courtesy of Julien's Auctions

The auction will start closing in real time and in lot order for live bidding at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Jan. 30, 2022.

Joni Mitchell Announced As 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year

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Giving Tuesday 2021

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How To Give Back This Giving Tuesday 2021: Create A Personal Fundraiser For MusiCares Now

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This Season of Giving, get involved with and support MusiCares by hosting a personal fundraiser in support of our second annual Help for the Holidays program
MusiCares
Nov 19, 2021 - 5:04 pm

In support of our second Help for the Holidays program, MusiCares is encouraging supporters to host personal fundraisers during this Season of Giving.

And we're making it easy to get involved with and support MusiCares early this year in four simple yet effective steps:

  1. Create your fundraiser now.
  2. Announce your campaign on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 30).
  3. Encourage your friends, family and network to donate to your fundraiser early. (You’re also encouraged to join forces with a partner or team for a group fundraising effort.)
  4. Keep your fundraiser going through the holidays and the end of 2021.

By launching your fundraiser now, you'll be able to encourage your loved ones and associates to donate early ahead of the Giving Tuesday initiative and Season of Giving this year.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Hosting a fundraiser is a rewarding and powerful way to give back to the music community who gives so much to the world. Your personal fundraising appeals to your family and friends and can make a profound difference in the lives of those in need. 

When you inspire your community to donate, 100% of their donations will fund MusiCares’ Help for the Holidays, an annual program offering $250 e-gift cards to cover purchases of essential items like food, gas and prescriptions. Your community has the power to help music professionals still struggling from months of lost income. Just one of these e-gift cards can lift a member of the music community out of food scarcity and remove the pressure to sacrifice one basic need to meet another. 

By hosting your personal fundraisers, you can help to:

  • Lower food insecurity.
  • Provide essential staples for families.
  • Help with basic medical needs.
  • Give the gift of peace of mind.

Of course, MusiCares is also accepting direct donations on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year: Donate here. 

Start your fundraiser today, and watch your impact exponentially grow.

On behalf of all of us at MusiCares, thank you for supporting the music community this Season of Giving!

MusiCares Launches 2021 Help For The Holidays Program