Hearing FAQ
Am I monitoring too loud?
Sadly, probably so. A recent study at Vanderbilt University (link) shows that, even with isolating earphones, most performers set their IEM volume to the same level they've grown used to when using floor wedges. This sort of "muscle memory" for preferred listening levels shows conclusively that musicians need more information in order to use their IEM systems at safe levels. The good news is, this same study shows that the isolation provided by custom earphones does, in fact, allow musicians to monitor effectively at lower levels. All that's needed is a little nudge in the right direction.
The isolation provided by in-ear designs provides the ability to monitor effectively at safer levels. But force of habit, as illustrated in the Vanderbilt study, suggests that most artists are unconsciously drifting back to the same dangerous levels they used with floor monitors.
Only dB Check can tell you quickly and accurately how loud you're monitoring, and how long it's safe at that level!
Why are NIOSH and OSHA guidelines so different?
The NIOSH and OSHA guidelines were both developed to help protect the hearing of industrial workers. As such, they can only predict average risk across a large population, not individual risk. According to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services, the excess risk of developing occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is 8% when adhering to the NIOSH guideline and 25% with the OSHA guideline. (Source: NIOSH Publication No. 980126)
 Which guideline should I use, NIOSH or OSHA?
Sensaphonics strongly recommends using the more conservative NIOSH guideline.
For example, in this dB Check measurement, the A-weighted level was 92 dB. According to NIOSH, you can safely listen at this level for 96 minutes per day, while OSHA guidelines allow 364 minutes - a significant disparity. The following chart shows approximate exposure limits on both scales.
Is hearing loss really preventable?
In most cases, absolutely! Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common, and most preventable, source of hearing deficit in adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 28 million Americans have a hearing impairment. Musicians are especially at risk, and incidence increases with age.
Most victims of NIHL do not experience tinnitus or other warning symptoms, and the onset is so slow and subtle that self-assessment is difficult. That's why Sensaphonics urges you to have your hearing checked annually. Please remember that the dB Check can only tell you how loud you listen, but now how well you hear. It is important to determine how well you hear by having an annual hearing test.
How can I learn more?
Sensaphonics' founder, Michael Santucci, is a recognized expert on hearing conservation techniques for musicians. Please use and bookmark this link for information found on this website.
For more general information on this topic, we recommend the National Hearing Conservation Association, along with www.cdc.gov/niosh and www.osha.gov.
Why does dB Check only work with Sensaphonics earphones?
In a word: accuracy. In order to measure the exact SPL reaching the ear canal, it's essential to know the true output characteristics of the earphones, and for the earphones to have a full, tight seal. Only Sensaphonics earphones have the precision fit and quality control that meet those requirements.
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of either the output characteristics or the isolation of earphones from other manufacturers. The published specifications and fit characteristics of other earphone makes vary widely, which may lead to misleading (and potentially) unsafe results.
dB Check Page Links
dB Check Main Page
Contents & Features
Controls & Navigation
Earphone Level Measurement
Room Level Measurement
Charging the Battery
dB Check User Guide (PDF, 1.2 MB)
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