It’s an ear-splitting truth that not everyone is ready to hear.
A Redditor, El_human, recently ignited a critical conversation on the r/musicproduction subreddit as he cautions younger music producers about the potential health risks associated with prolonged headphone use.
In a heartfelt plea, he reflects on his own adverse experiences, emphasizing the importance of incorporating studio monitors into music production workflows to prevent hearing damage.
A Music Producer’s Warning
El_human’s post serves as a public service announcement against the over-reliance on headphones for mixing and mastering tracks.
He begins by addressing a common trend among DIY music producers: the prioritization of headphones over speakers due to cost concerns and convenience.
The OP shared his own experience, offering a sobering perspective. He detailed how he started as a DIY music producer and then progressed into a professional, regularly working with musicians and artists.
The veteran producer elaborates on the insidious nature of hearing damage. He noted how it might start innocuously but can lead to severe problems like noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
These conditions, he explains, stem from listening to music at high volumes for extended periods, which damages the hair cells in the inner ear.
More alarmingly, he describes his current struggles with tinnitus, where the ringing in his ears becomes so loud that it interferes with his ability to work on music.
Headphones vs. Studio Monitors in Music Production
Despite the stark warning, u/El_human also recognizes the utility of headphones. He clarifies that he understands the crucial roles both studio monitors and headphones play in music production.
The OP then shares the benefits of each audio source:
According to him, studio monitors are ideal for mixing and mastering, offering an accurate representation of sound and a more natural listening experience. Headphones, on the other hand, are valuable for detailed editing and monitoring in noisy environments.
Despite this, he laments the trend among newer producers to overlook the importance of quality studio monitors in favor of high-end headphones, to save money.
Insights from the Production Community
The Reddit community responded with a mix of empathy, skepticism, and personal anecdotes.
For instance, Rightfulmcool argued that headphones are not inherently problematic, but rather the issue lies in listening at excessively loud volumes. This sentiment was echoed by another user, who added that tinnitus can result from prolonged exposure even at moderate volumes.
Other users expressed how, despite wanting to use studio monitors, their situation doesn’t allow them to do so. These touched on economic and practical considerations, with several users highlighting the challenges of affording and accommodating studio monitors in less-than-ideal living situations.
To solve this, absolute_panic shared a practical approach to maintaining a safe listening volume. He suggests setting the headphone gain knob to a level that does not tire the ears over extended periods.
This method, aimed at achieving a comfortable listening experience, was praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in protecting one’s hearing.
It was then supported by other users, including Wabaareo, who discussed his various strategies to maintain safe listening volumes.
Referencing guidelines from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Wabaareo outlined a methodical approach to calibrating headphone output to avoid hearing loss. He shared that he marks the headphone knob and interface for ideal volume levels and uses white or pink noise for calibration.
Meanwhile, banzai_420 shifted the focus to live performances.