LL105 - Learning Lab: All Access Pass: Updates in Music Audiology (separate ticket required)

Abstract:
The audiological care of musicians and music industry professionals is both rewarding and challenging. In this hands-on, ears-open session, we will explore the tools available for delivering effective hearing health care to individuals who work with and around music. We will also highlight the latest updates in best practices, advances in service delivery, and strategies for effective verification and validation. Bring your passion for both hearing health and music, and spend the morning fine tuning your skills to care for this unique, at-risk population.

Summary:
Musicians, music-industry professionals, and individuals with significant music exposure represent a diverse, at-risk population whose hearing health is crucial to their occupational, artistic, and personal life demands. As such, hearing health care for this group requires specialized approaches and tools to meet their unique needs.

In this active intermediate-level learning lab, participants will explore the available methods to effectively deliver hearing health care to this population. With a few adjustments and increased awareness of potential barriers to access, many standard audiological procedures can be adapted to serve the specific needs of professionals in demanding musical environments. A key focus will be the verification and validation of hearing protection devices and in-ear monitors. This requires assessment of the individual's anticipated sound exposure both on the stage and in their rehearsal or music production settings. Through hands-on, ears-open activities, we will clarify how to customize solutions to their unique exposure and needs profile.

Attendees will gain valuable insights through the review of published clinical practice guidelines, case examples, and demonstrations with real musicians. This will deepen their expertise in music audiology and increase their confidence in working within this specialized field. Of course, not all providers are interested in working extensively with this population; therefore, recent developments in tele-audiology and referral pathways will also be covered.

The planned hands-on activities will require interaction and listening. In addition to packing their own ears, attendees are invited to bring personal hearing protection (custom or filtered earplugs are ideal, but not required), personal wired earphones (or in-ear monitors if you have them), and a mobile device with a sound level meter application. More specific guidance will be shared closer to the session date.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
The clinical takeaway for this session is that the care for this at-risk population can be impactful and rewarding, provided the clinical approach is grounded in best practice and responsive to the unique needs of the music industry professional.