070 - IEMs and Hearing Loss
In-ear-monitors carry risk of hearing damage. Audio pros know how to prevent that.
Written by Scott Adamson
Just like recorded music, it’s no secret that stage volume and live shows in general have gotten louder in recent years.
Along with genetic and environmental factors, increased noise exposure is one reason there has been an influx in hearing loss among adults. According to a 2017 study from researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the number of adults in the United States who experience hearing loss is estimated to increase dramatically over the next four decades.
This excerpt of a longer conversation with monitor engineers Francois Pare (Queens of the Stone Age) and Donato Paternostro (Bon Iver) touches upon a vitally important topic — the role of in-ear monitors (IEMs) in the potential for hearing loss. Check out this video to learn a few pointers that will help ensure the safety of your own hearing, as well as the artists you work with.
First of all, wear both IEMs. It takes most people time to get used to them, but one of the most potentially harmful moves an artist or monitor engineer can make is to wear one earbud in and one earbud out. Consider a phenomenon called binaural summation which explains that a sound heard with both ears will be perceived as louder than the same sound heard in just one ear. Using only one of your earbuds in tandem with a stage wedge is likely way more noise exposure than is necessary.
Secondly, never underestimate the role of audience mics in an IEM mix. Francois notes that often when an artist removes one earbud, they are attempting to hear more of the overall ambience of the room. Don’t be afraid to ride the audience mic faders in response to the crowd — for instance, when they sing a particular chorus in unison or cheer extra loudly at the end of a song. This can help an artist feel more comfortable and energized without having to crank up their beltpack.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have honest conversations with the artists you work with. Suggest volume limits when necessary. Provide useful information, but also break down in non-technical terms why preventative measures are so critically important to preserving our health, happiness and careers.
After all, hearing loss cannot be undone.
