Unless you have been living under a rock, you are probably well aware of the dangers we drummers face when it comes to hearing loss. Being that the average drummer produces sound well above 85db, it only takes a layman to recognize the importance of hearing protection.

It has been reported that approximately 65% of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductees suffer from some form of hearing loss. Alarming stats indeed when you consider how much we depend on our ears. Gone are the days of stuffing cotton in your ear to prevent future hearing aid use. Today’s technology and understanding of hearing loss allows us to protect our most valuable asset without sacrificing a quality monitor mix.

The chart below compares the sound pressure levels (without hearing protection) of the drumkit, the stage and the Marshall stacks to everyday situations and their potential for hearing damage. If these facts and figures don’t make you want to get fitted for in-ear monitors, nothing will.

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160 db + Can damage hearing after less than 3.75 minutes exposure per day.

Comparative sound levels:
Rocket launch (within 100 feet)
Open hi hats played hard (within 1 foot)

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140 – 160 db Can damage hearing after less than 3.75 minutes exposure per day.

Comparative sound levels:
Jet engine (within 80 feet)
snare played hard (within 1 foot)

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130 – 140 db (Threshold of pain) Can damage hearing after less than 3.75 minutes exposure per day.

Comparative sound levels:
air raid siren (within 2 feet)
guitar amp on 10 (within 2 feet)

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120 – 130 db Can damage hearing after 7.5 minutes exposure per day.

Comparative sound levels:
jack hammer (within 10 feet)
crash cymbal (within 1 f00t)

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100 – 120 db Can damage hearing after less than 30 minutes exposure per day.

Comparative sound levels:
noise leve inside ny subway system
timpani drum (within 1 f00t)

Sean Mitchell is a drummer/artist, songwriter and the creator of Drum Geek.