The UK Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme

[Markku]

I came across this scheme which is a great deal for UK-based musicians. Tinnitus Talk is not affiliated with the scheme - I just wanted to share this because this type of thing should ideally be available in more countries, too.

https://www.hearformusicians.org.uk/

For a one-off payment of £40 (£30 for MU members), the Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme offers the following:

• An audiological assessment and ear check-up from a specialist in musicians' hearing (worth up to £100)
• One set of custom-made, ACS Pro Series plugs (worth £140+)
• A two-yearly callback, where appropriate, for a subsidised hearing test
• Expert advice on referral routes and next steps to manage any problems
• Option of wax removal, if necessary, at a subsidised rate of £40

How It Works
Eligibility​

@Ed209, were you aware of this scheme from before? I know you're a UK-based musician. I'm just wondering how well known this scheme is in the UK.

 

[Ed209]

No @Markku. I've never heard of it at all - but if I'm being honest - it wouldn't have been likely that I would have signed up to it if I did. We all think we're invincible until something happens to us. Great idea though; I wonder how successful it is?

 

[Markku]

I wonder how successful it is?

Some stats below, they seem to have re-launched the scheme earlier this year:

https://www.hearformusicians.org.uk/news-mhhs-relaunch

"With 2,800 musicians benefitting from the scheme since mid-2016 – entitling them to a specialist hearing assessment and bespoke hearing protection (over £200 in value for £40) – the charity is forecasting around 21,000 more musicians to take part by 2021."​

 

[glynis]

@Markku,
I would pass it on to the BTA or to Steve to pass it on.
Not heard about it before but great find...
love glynis

 

[Ed209]

@Markku,
I would pass it on to the BTA or to Steve to pass it on.
Not heard about it before but great find...
love glynis

I agree, it's a brilliant find. I truly wish I had access to this before I recked my ears, and not only that, but to have had the foresight to see how important it is to protect our ears. I suppose it comes down to awareness. In my case, I was aware of tinnitus and did use earplugs on occasion. Where I went wrong is that I didn't take it seriously enough and only wore earplugs at select, loud, gigs. I never used them for any of my own performances or band rehearsals, and never used them for smaller gigs. So, even though I had some awareness, I still messed up.