A meta-analysis finds over 40% of musicians report tinnitus, with auditory risks extending across all musical genres.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery shows that musicians experience substantially higher rates of tinnitus, hearing loss, and hyperacusis compared to non-musicians. The research pooled data from 67 studies, including more than 28,000 musicians across 21 countries.
The analysis found that 42.6% of musicians reported tinnitus, compared to 13.2% in control populations. Hearing loss affected 25.7% of musicians versus 11.6% of controls, and hyperacusis was reported by 37.3% of musicians compared to 15.3% of non-musicians.
“Many musicians quietly live with ringing ears, sound sensitivity, or hearing loss, no matter whether they play in a symphony hall or a small club,” says Shaun A Nguyen, MD, professor in the department of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. “What we really need now is more personal, musician-centered risk profiling so we can offer practical, tailored advice that helps artists protect their hearing without sacrificing the music they love.”
The study also found no significant difference in the prevalence of hearing loss, hyperacusis, or tinnitus between classical and pop/rock musicians, challenging previous assumptions. The authors suggest that individual factors like instrument type, seating position, room acoustics, and use of hearing protection likely play a more critical role than musical genre alone.
Among musicians with tinnitus, 76.3% described their symptoms as occasional, while 15.6% reported permanent tinnitus. Additionally, approximately 63% of hearing loss cases were based on subjective self-reporting, with only 37% confirmed through objective audiometric testing, indicating the true prevalence may be higher than reported.
