Special services for Performers / Professionals exposed to music / Professionals exposed to Noise

People who are either exposed to music or noise should undergo special tests and consultation

Performers

Professionals exposed to noise

Musical school students and teachers

Performers (professionals exposed to music)

Musicians and other performers are a special professional group because loud music could have an impact on their auditory system. Performing arts medicine is an outgrowth of occupational and physical medicine concerned with the medical complaints of musicians, dancers, actors and other performing artists.

Sound engineers

Conductors

Musicians

Singers

Actors

Dancers

What the performers can expect during their appointment:

The aim is to "map" the auditory system using special audiological tests that check the outer, middle and inner ear. Special validated and reliable questionnaires are also used. Custom and detailed consultation follows the tests focusing on the prevention of hearing loss, management, and treatment of medical conditions.

Usually, two and rarely three appointments are necessary. The first appointment includes a detailed medical history, clinical examination, and various audiological tests.

To avoid fatigue, more than one appointment might be necessary. More special tests are taking place on the second appointment

Three main categories of professionals could benefit from the clinic:

First group: professionals who do not suffer from any audiological / ear disorder but would like to have a screening test and consultation. These tests are used as reference tests and are compared with future tests.
Second group: people who already have hearing disorders or ear problems. Special counseling or further investigation might be necessary. It is important to either resolve the symptoms or to avoid deterioration If possible.
Third group: people who already have known medical (ENT) conditions and require special management with medications or /and further medical examinations.

Counseling and training performers is very important since they would know and recognize when there is cause for concern. The aim for the performer is to have the best quality of life at work and to be safe in the musical environment.

Find out more on about performing arts medicine basic info

Professionals exposed to noise

Professionals from different occupational areas (jobs) are exposed to noise. Noise can affect health in many ways. As an ENT specialist I have to say that the impact of noise on the auditory system could be irreversible but the good news is that are that hearing damage from noise exposure can be prevented. This can be feasible with the appropriate guidance and the proper diagnosis.

Dentists

Industry workers

Hair saloon professionals

Engineers

Constructors/ Builders

Motorcyclists

Aviation professionals

What should the patient expect from the visit?

After the extensive check-up depending on the symptoms, appropriate instructions will be given to diagnose any existing pathologies and take preventive measures where possible.

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Musical school students and teachers

Mainly teenagers and older children - who are involved in music and singing- as well as musical school teachers could benefit from this service.

Retail consultation is based on hearing ability of the student / teacher, on medical conditions, on the musical instrument they play etc. Instructions are given in order to avoid "injuries" mainly to the auditory system. Audiogram and other special tests could be considered as the baseline for future changes in hearing.

Additionally, early diagnosis is very important. It might sound cliche but prevention is still the best cure.

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