Making music brings joy to millions of people, but a new study shows it can also come with serious risks to hearing.
Researchers have found that musicians are much more likely than non-musicians to experience tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis — conditions that can affect daily life and long-term health.
The study, published in the journal Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, analyzed results from 67 previous studies involving more than 28,000 musicians across 21 countries.
By combining this data, researchers were able to get a clearer picture of how common hearing problems are among people who regularly perform or practice music.
The findings were striking. About 42.6 percent of musicians reported tinnitus, a condition often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears.
In comparison, only about 13.2 percent of people who were not musicians reported the same problem. Hearing loss was also far more common among musicians, affecting about 25.7 percent of them, compared with 11.6 percent in the general population.
Another condition, hyperacusis — an increased sensitivity to everyday sounds — affected more than a third of musicians.
Experts say many musicians quietly live with these symptoms, whether they perform in large concert halls or small clubs. Because the job often involves long hours of exposure to loud sounds, the ears can gradually become damaged over time. However, the researchers noted that much of the existing data relies on people describing their own symptoms rather than medical testing, which means the real numbers could be even higher.
Among musicians who reported tinnitus, most said it happened occasionally, while a smaller group experienced it constantly. In cases of hearing loss, only about one-third were confirmed by hearing tests, suggesting that some musicians may not realize how much their hearing has changed.
Interestingly, the study found no major difference in hearing problems between classical musicians and those who play pop or rock music. This challenges the common belief that louder genres are more dangerous. Instead, factors such as the type of instrument played, where a musician sits in an orchestra, the acoustics of the performance space, and whether hearing protection is used may matter more.
Researchers say the findings highlight the need for better awareness and prevention. Protecting hearing does not mean giving up music. Using ear protection, taking breaks from loud sound, and getting regular hearing checks can help musicians continue doing what they love while reducing long-term damage.
Music enriches lives, but this research reminds us that protecting hearing is essential so that musicians can keep enjoying and creating sound for years to come.
