ISM members now eligible for 25% discount on Help Musicians’ hearing health support
Help Musicians’ hearing support offers musicians a subsidised assessment with an audiologist and bespoke hearing protection
To mark World Hearing Day, 3 March 2023, the Independent Society of Musicians Members Fund (ISM Members Fund) has become a partner in the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme from Help Musicians, offering ISM members affordable access to hearing protection.
Our hearing health support — launched in 2016 in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and delivered by Musicians’ Hearing Services — aims to make hearing protection an affordable and essential part of a musician’s toolkit, providing access to audiological assessments and custom-made hearing protection.
While the cost is heavily subsidised for all professional musicians at just £50, ISM members can now access a further 25% discount on the scheme, subsidised by the ISM Members Fund.
“Musicians’ ears are some of their most valuable assets. It is vitally important to get your hearing checked regularly and look after your hearing health in order to sustain a long-term career in music. As a charity focused on improving the health and wellbeing of our members, The ISM Members Fund is delighted to join this valuable scheme in order to protect and support musicians’ hearing. We encourage all ISM members to sign up to the scheme to access discounted hearing protection.”
Hearing is a basic tool for musicians, but it is fragile and at risk of being damaged by the work they do.
Research shows that musicians suffer noise-induced hearing loss more than the general population. Of a 2015 Help Musicians’ survey of 693 professional musicians of all genres:
- 40% have experienced some type of hearing loss
- 82% believe that musicians should use hearing protection
Although noise-induced hearing loss is 100% irreversible, it is 100% preventable.
“At Help Musicians, we sadly see the impact that hearing damage has on musicians in later life, and in many cases, significantly curtailing careers. Investing in hearing protection is an investment in a musician’s future and during more challenging financial times it’s more important than ever to offer accessible services to protect health. We are pleased to welcome the ISM Members Fund as a partner to the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme, supporting their members to access this vital support and help prevent issues before they arise.”
For a one-off payment of £37.50 (usual price £50), ISM members can now access:
- An audiological assessment and check-up from a specialist in musicians’ hearing (worth up to £100)
- A set of custom-made, ACS Pro Series plugs (worth £149)
- Expert advice on referral routes and next steps to manage any problems
- Option of wax removal, if necessary, at a subsidised rate of £50
“Noise induced hearing loss is permanent but completely preventable and a very real issue for musicians. So far 15,000 musicians have benefited from this UK-wide scheme and we are excited to work with the ISM Members Fund to provide discounted hearing healthcare to ISM members all over the UK.”