Army pipers can't believe their ears

[Bagpiper]

http://images.scotsman.com/2006/07/23/pipeb.jpg

... THEY have led soldiers into battle and frightened the enemy with their noise, while becoming one of Scotland's most enduring musical icons.

But the skirl of the traditional Scottish bagpipes is now under threat - from health and safety inspectors.


Soldiers learning to play the revered instrument have been issued with strict new guidelines aimed at preventing servicemen suffering hearing problems....

... The report into the effects of bagpipe-playing says pipers risk damaging their hearing after just 24 minutes playing outside or 15 minutes in the practice ..

Scotland on Sunday - Edinburgh,Scotland,UK - Full Story (http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1068392006)

[bullet08]

i thought it was given that either you ruin your ear (left one.. mine's rather bad on left side), or use those ear plugs while playing..

pete

[Bagpiper]

Not everyone uses earplugs but they should, including me.

[PiobBear]

If your ears are ringing after a session, you are damaging your hearing.
Several companies offer ear plugs specifically made for musicians which equally attenuate all frequencies by 15-20 dB. These are much more expensive than those little foam ones, but they don't muffle the higher frequencies; I can tune with them in, and carry on a conversation in a normal tone of voice. They're also quite comfortable, and much less noticable than the flourescent orange or yellow foam ones.