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March 13, 2008
Protecting hearing is no cheap trick
What do rock stars, soldiers and factory workers all have in common? Careers with a potential for significant hearing loss.
So it was no surprise that Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen eventually hooked up with Donald Kleindl, a certified audio prosthologist who owns 15 hearing clinics, including the Professional Hearing & Audiology Clinic in Libertyville.
The result was custom-made ear monitors -- in Cheap Trick's black and white checkered motif, of course -- that protect Nielsen's hearing and allow him to control his own audio mix when the band plays.
"In just a few seconds, and especially over long periods of time, loud sounds and music can really do serious damage to your hearing," Nielsen said. "As a guitarist and musician, your hearing is the most important instrument you have."
Kleindl said a career in rock music exposes the musicians to volume levels that demand protection.
"It's constant," he said. "Just like working in a factory without protection."
Kleindl offers both custom-made and standard ear plugs and monitors designed to filter dangerous noise levels down without sacrificing quality. He also makes ear monitors for police and SWAT team members that allow them to communicate by radio almost silently.
But the need for ear protection is not limited to those with exotic jobs. Construction workers, factory workers, soldiers and others with noisy occupations face auditory dangers that can cause tinnitus and hearing loss.
Fans who attend concerts frequently and those with loud hobbies, such as trap shooting, also would do well to protect their hearing.
"Concert-goers should have some type of protection, even if it's just ear plugs they get at the drug store," he said.
For those who experience loud music fairly frequently, a more significant investment may be appropriate.
One option available at Kleindl's clinics are ER15s, custom made ear-plugs that have high-end noise filters but don't reduce the quality of the sound. The devices range in price from $60 to $120 and last for 10 to 12 years.
Parents should also consider hearing protection for their kids. As ear buds become more and more popular, kids can listen to music at damaging levels while those around them may not even realize it. Kleindl said listening devices that come with volume limiting devices are available and should be considered by parents.
The Professional Hearing and Audiology Clinic in Libertyville is located at 1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 200. For more information on custom ear plugs or to schedule a free hearing examination, call (815) 573-0073.
Meanwhile, if you're still with us Cheap Trick fans, the band is scheduled to play March 29 at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in Dekalb. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. Don't forget the ear plugs.
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/lifestyles/840052,5_5_WA13_HEARING_S1.article
Posted by 4HL on March 13, 2008 8:48 AM
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