Story perspectives

Musicians' Hearing Risk Linked to Environment, Not Genre

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shaun A. Nguyen, professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, says risk depends more on seating, room acoustics, and protective habits than on genre.
Researchers advocate personalized risk profiling to help musicians protect their hearing while performing.
Only 37% of reported hearing-loss cases have been confirmed by testing, suggesting many musicians may be unaware.
The findings challenge assumptions that classical versus rock music carries greater danger.

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Story summary

Shaun A. Nguyen, professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, says risk depends more on seating, room acoustics, and protective habits than on genre.
Researchers advocate personalized risk profiling to help musicians protect their hearing while performing.
Only 37% of reported hearing-loss cases have been confirmed by testing, suggesting many musicians may be unaware.
The findings challenge assumptions that classical versus rock music carries greater danger.