HEALTHY HEARING INITIATIVE
Our Mission:
Many people born in past decades now have hearing issues. Those working in the music industries were generally unaware of the dangers and the options available to avoid hearing damage whilst performing and listening to sound. It was a lack of knowledge and understanding rather than choice.
Our aim is to make everyone aware that there is a choice.
Many people born in past decades now have hearing issues. Those working in the music industries were generally unaware of the dangers and the options available to avoid hearing damage whilst performing and listening to sound. It was a lack of knowledge and understanding rather than choice.
Our aim is to make everyone aware that there is a choice.
A video from Healthy Conservatoires on guidance for the performing arts.
If not possible/practical to reduce exposure to loud sounds then PROPER provision of adequate and suitable protection is essential.
BAPAM Consultation 2019
The hearing protection education and safeguards in place will be reviewed as part of every course accreditation. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (‘The Noise Regulations’), which came into effect for the music and entertainment sector in April 2008, set out the minimum standards required by law aimed at preventing hearing injury in the workplace.
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/
Accredited institutions will be encouraged to incorporate ‘JAMES’ Healthy Hearing Initiative’ considerations within their courses and facilities. This should include;
Assessment of hearing risk to all participants [students - staff - others] throughout the course and at specific points [location and activity] when delivering the course.
Risk management embedded in the teaching and facilities. This should include any precautions, acoustic treatments, monitoring systems and protective systems that are implemented.
The awareness education embedded within the course that includes the learning points covered and the reinforcement over the course duration. Particularly -
◼︎ Awareness of the Daily Hearing Dose - the measuring and monitoring principles and understanding the needs for periods of aural rest and recovery.
◼︎ Provision of ear defenders to every student including guidance on when and how to use them.
◼︎ Ongoing reinforcement and monitoring of student behaviour throughout.
◼︎ Encouragement to undertake a Hearing Surveillance programme.
This should culminate in the adoption of a STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT that will be an acknowledgment by the student that they have been provided HEALTHY HEARING AWARENESS EDUCATION and have an understanding of their responsibilities to take proactive action both within and beyond activities whilst on the course.
We acknowledge the work of the ‘British Association for Performing Arts Medicine’ in producing the Hearing Conservation for Performers best practice 2020 as recommended reading prior to any application.
Read Hearing Conservation for Performers - Best Practice Guidance 2020 here (pdf).
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/
Accredited institutions will be encouraged to incorporate ‘JAMES’ Healthy Hearing Initiative’ considerations within their courses and facilities. This should include;
Assessment of hearing risk to all participants [students - staff - others] throughout the course and at specific points [location and activity] when delivering the course.
Risk management embedded in the teaching and facilities. This should include any precautions, acoustic treatments, monitoring systems and protective systems that are implemented.
The awareness education embedded within the course that includes the learning points covered and the reinforcement over the course duration. Particularly -
◼︎ Awareness of the Daily Hearing Dose - the measuring and monitoring principles and understanding the needs for periods of aural rest and recovery.
◼︎ Provision of ear defenders to every student including guidance on when and how to use them.
◼︎ Ongoing reinforcement and monitoring of student behaviour throughout.
◼︎ Encouragement to undertake a Hearing Surveillance programme.
This should culminate in the adoption of a STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT that will be an acknowledgment by the student that they have been provided HEALTHY HEARING AWARENESS EDUCATION and have an understanding of their responsibilities to take proactive action both within and beyond activities whilst on the course.
We acknowledge the work of the ‘British Association for Performing Arts Medicine’ in producing the Hearing Conservation for Performers best practice 2020 as recommended reading prior to any application.
Read Hearing Conservation for Performers - Best Practice Guidance 2020 here (pdf).
