Alumni Magazine feature

It is a specific honor [and a strange marker of the passage of time] to see your story featured in an undergraduate alumni magazine! PULSE, the Purchase College magazine, was kind enough to ask me to share my journey from the artsy music-focused college incubator setting to my current Music Audiology practice. For the piece, the writers went beyond the simple chronologic story and took the time to ask about my approach to working with my patient’s ears and careers:

“A common concern from performers is that earplugs, for example, make it harder to perform due to a lack of perceived connection,” he says. “I work with my patients on understanding how earplugs can enhance their work. The loudness of loud settings can actually hinder your listening and creativity.”

I also appreciate their call-to-action and information on how to schedule televisits, especially for those who may be eligible for MusiCares benefits:

“I can go beyond the Philadelphia area now to help people all over the world,” says Wartinger. Today he offers his services nationally and internationally through the MusiCares program (www.tunedcare.com).

To read the full article, use the magazine above link or click here to download the PDF.

Autumn Leaves (Remix) - Let's talk about leaf blowers for a minute

The right to bear tools seems to be the harmless, modern, only slightly-evolved ethos of the suburbia-dweller. Power tools in general and, since we're in the pumpkin-spiced season, leaf blower specifically, are ubiquitous. And who exactly are we hurting when we wield a pressure washer against deck grime, a nail gun against stubborn siding, or a leaf blower against the floating harbingers of winter?

The peace and quiet of the neighborhood. Sorry to quickly answer my own rhetorical question, but that's the answer. That's the who/what we're hurting. The noise from leaf blowers is having a direct and irrefutably negative effect on the serenity of our outdoor spaces as well as the quality of the air (in the case of gas tools… more on that distinction soon). And it is potentially hurting those tiny little friends which dwell in our inner ears: the cochlear hair cells. 

A brief detour: one of those reasons, the one about the air, is the primary push for a recent and growing trend in local laws banning small gas-powered tools such as leaf blowers. In the Fall of 2023, a half dozen cities and the state of California have cited staggering air pollution statistics as well as noise pollution issues in their decision to ban sales of the tools. To avoid redundancy and let the real journalists cover the journalisticallities (real word, trust me… don’t look it up), here is a recent and thorough rundown of the current state of affairs: https://grist.org/solutions/leaf-blower-bans-air-pollution-noise/

I'll drone on with the noise implications. (Drone on? Get it? Ok. Sorry not sorry.) The noise symphony these tools conduct is part byproduct of power/work, and part waste energy. More efficient tools, such as the hi-tech, low-emission, battery powered variety, are still noisy but waste significantly less energy in the form of sound as compared to their gas powered ancestors.

So that's what I use: an overpowered electric cordless leaf blower that cost more than my first guitar. You know, since you brought it up, let's compare the leaf blower to my first guitar. 

• Both were overkill in the cool factor

• Both carry an anticipated life-span of 1 to questionmark years

• Neither impressed bystanders the way I would have hoped if I was being honest with myself

• Only one of them annoyed the neighbors. Use the context clues above to guess which!

A friend recently pointed out to me that the leaf blower, even my adored electric-type (hidden pokemon joke my daughters might laugh at) is special in the lineup of yard tools since it's titular job can be easily supplanted by one of the simplest tools in existence: the humble rake. I argue back, defiantly rolling up my mortgage statement into a makeshift megaphone so my headstrong rantings carry the proper financial angst, that the leaf blower reduces user effort and increases time efficiency. Which are true points, by the way. Now, if we're being fully honest, it is just plain fun and nearly indulgent-feeling to command a small turbine-fueled tornado and sic the airy violence upon a smattering of hapless tree feathers. That satisfaction of “more power” (a dated but palpable reference for at least a few readers, but definitely not one my daughters will laugh at) is notably absent when one bends at the elbows and works up a sweat while waddling around the yard with the ancient, simple, [read: dumb] rake.

Typically, I would stop here and feel righteous, but this all came to a head last week when I was blissfully spiriting-away the deciduous detritus from my driveway. My 7 year old was toiling away tirelessly with a toy-tool rake some 20 feet upwind, and in the sweetest voice she inquired politely if I would stop and pick up a rake instead. With the wisdom of decades in my voice I replied “Nah, I'm good. See, I got this cool tool that goes vrrooooommm.” It wasn’t more than a few minutes later, however dear reader, when she unplugged my vindication with the words “you know, the rake is quieter.”

And there's the rub. It's more work to rake, and the end result is the same when you look at the lawn, but the effect the useless noise has and those close by it's just that: noise. useless. replaceable.

Surley, my electric leaf blower, outputting some 83dBA from 5 ft away and a measly 55 dBA to my neighbor, is not disturbing the peace. It is not the gas-powered, air-show-level turbulence that shatters the tranquility of so many sunny fall mornings, but it still remains useless replaceable noise. Like all tools in my life, I plan to continue to use it when the job calls for it, but I’ll try to switch it off when those around me, particularly those with smaller ears and wiser brains, remind me that the noise is annoying and can often be replaced by good old fashioned elbow grease and the humble (dumb) rake.

2022 recap and Talking Ears featured in the NHCA "Spectrum" publication

2022 brought about many changes for Earmark Hearing Conservation, including the launch of my music audiology interview podcast, “Talking Ears”. The show provides space for guests to share their stories and views on what is arguably the most important issue in the music industry: hearing health. The formula is rather simple - long-form interviews provide nuance and breadth, while the artist’s own music provides context.

As the host, I try to stay out of the way as much as possible and let the guests’ words and music do the talking. However, this show has marked a significant shift in the way I share my own personal story as an individual who experienced hearing damage and tinnitus due to music exposures from a young age. Though it is a vulnerable feeling and not always comfortable to do so, this relates directly to the philosophy that sparked the show in the first place: dialog and transparency are the bricks that pave the path to better hearing health awareness.

View Article

Click here to download the full NHCA Spectrum article.

One of those instances where I spoke about myself was when past National Hearing Conservation Association president Merlyn Lubiens interviewed me for the recent issue of “Spectrum”, the official NHCA publication. Feel free to read the article through the above link, admire the masterwork writing, and chuckle at the endearing use of a dad-joke to wrap up an otherwise buttoned-up piece. If you listen close, you’ll likely hear me blushing through the pages.

But this isn’t about me. Along with producers Juan Vasquez, AuD, and Mary Kim, AuD, we’ve interviewed Grammy winners, touring musicians, audio engineers, researchers, psychologists, educators, and some of the most renown music audiologists in the world. Their words and music is what we are collecting. And the more personal stories we share, the greater the chance a listener will see their own experiences and attitudes reflected back. The subject remains loosely the same (it is called “Talking Ears” after all) but the views and connections are always refreshing and inspiring to our team.

This is a labor of love, and boy howdy is a labor. From top to tail, each episode takes between 10 to 16 hours for our team to produce. Luckily, the overwhelming response shows that this is a worthwhile endeavor and one we will continue with gusto into the new year.

None of this would be possible without the support of Juan and Mary. The show would be nothing without countless hours spent planning and scheduling guests, listening to interviews, and providing edit suggestions and feedback.

We have incredible things planned in 2023, exciting upcoming announcements, and sincere hopes the future of the show. Your continued listenership means the world to us, and we welcome your thoughts, feedback, criticism, and suggestions. Some would say… we’re all ears.

Best, Frank

Rock On…with Caution: Hearing Loss Risk in Musicians

Earmark's Frank Wartinger, AuD, was interviewed for a recent article titled "Rock On…with Caution: Hearing Loss Risk in Musicians" published in the Hearing Journal.

Solid Advice

The article is packed with incredibly honest and sage "I've been there" type advice from industry veterans David Uosikkinen (The Hooters) and Tom Hampton (Marshall Tucker Band, Robert Hazard). Dr. Wartinger's main take-away was simple: never stop making music.

"Yes, there are risks, but with the right tools and precautions, you can reduce your risk. The key is to understand, respect, and protect your hearing as a valuable tool in the music-making process..."

Know better, do better, teach the next generation

Many of rock-and-roll's icons have given their ears to help craft the soundtracks of our youths and good times: Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend (The Who) and Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) to name a few. In many ways, the technological and stylistic revolutions these visionaries created was the very thing that put them at risk. Bigger audiences and stages, ever more powerful sound systems, and heavier sounds had the cummulative effect of creating a previously unheard-of health hazard: Music Induced Hearing Disorders.

“It is serious business,” said Uosikkinen. “I tell my students that they should take care of their ears because they need to last you an entire lifetime. I'm grateful that technology has made it a little bit better, but I'm still concerned about young people today.

Solutions exist and music audiology experts such as Dr. Wartinger are capable of connecting your performance needs with the long-term needs of your career in music. Reach out to Earmark Hearing Conservation with any questions or comments, or to further discuss your own needs and situation.

I'm An Audiologist... Come Again?

"Being able to explain what you do in terms of its scientific roots is outstanding."

Audiology Today published an article titled "I'm An Audiologist. Come Again?" that discusses the public un-awareness of the field of Audiology. Featured in the article were three Healthy Hearing Community Education Program (HHCEP) outreach events lead by Frank Wartinger, Au.D. in collaboration with the department of Audiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). 

As a part of the 2017 Philadelphia Science Festival, these events addressed different audiences and various aspects of Audiology. 

Be A CHOP Audiologist! 

On April 23rd, 2017, CHOP Audiology opened its doors to welcome visitors to the new Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care. More than 160 attendees were given tours of the facility and six interactive stations: hearing testing, amplification technology, hearing protection, stuttering treatment, and augmentative & alternative communication technology. For the event, Frank built a freestanding 12" Chladni Plate, a device that allows attendees to interact with sound as a physical, visible energy. He also demonstrated a Jolene mannequin, a device that accurately reports an individual's listening level on their own personal music player and earphones. The event was a success with plans to repeat next year on a larger scale. 

Sensory Overload

Hosted at Yards Brewing Company, Sensory Overload was an interactive speaker event that featured five scientists and clinicians from various fields, each discussing one of our five senses. Frank presented on... you guessed it... hearing! The main take home of the discussion was that sound is an enjoyable and powerful force. As such, hearing is something to be respected and protected throughout our lives.

Science Carnival

On April 29th, 2017, CHOP Audiology presented an interactive booth at the Science Festival's flagship event, the Carnival. This year, over 300 presenters and nearly 50,000 attendees enjoyed this free public event on Penn's Landing with content tailored to scientists of all ages.

Future workshops in the works!

Stay tuned for further community events planned to address topics such as the use of hearing protection by live and studio audio engineers, and the use of in-ear monitors to improve performance potential.

A Music-Lover's Guide to Tinnitus

Frank Wartinger contributed insight and clinically-based commentary to a powerful article written by Angus Finlayson (@angusWFinlayson) for the electronic music publication Resident Advisor. The feature of the article is the accounts of two musician's with tinnitus and how the auditory condition has shaped their lives and careers.

A Music-Lover's Guide To Tinnitus, Resident Advisor. 

Words / Angus Finlayson

Published / Thu, 22 Jun 2017

Talking About Tinnitus

By demystifying tinnitus and openly discussing how professional musicians can continue to have a fulfilling relationship with music, this article repeatedly hits on an important message: don't ever stop! Keep going and do so in a manner that respects your ears and hearing.

Act Before You Should Have Acted

The article feedback has been positive and engaging. However, a telling trend has emerged from the comments - those who endorse caution have already been burned. 

From those who have not experienced first hand the warning signs of hearing damage, we still hear the chant of "if it's too loud, you're too old". That saying is ironic since both our youth and hearing health are delicate - even transient - and certainly worth appreciating and protecting. Consider that both these things are true: one day it will be too loud AND you will be too old. 

I Have Tinnitus... Is It Too Late?

Far from it! If you're noticing constant ringing in your ears or dulled hearing after every rehearsal or gig, these are warning signs that should encourage action. If our feet hurt from running we would given them a rest and look into more supportive footwear. Our ears don't feel pain like that, but with tinnitus and temporary hearing loss, they are able to tell us when something needs out attention.

Reach out to a hearing professional and discuss how you can keep your career on track. Indeed, there are ways of helping even the most dire situations. What's more, musicians often notice improved performances and increased satisfaction when they begin to rehearse and perform with their hearing health in mind.

Hearing Wellness for Musicians

Hearing Wellness for Musicians

Dr. Frank Wartinger wrote a brief "Patient Handout" document titled "Hearing Wellness for Musicians", published in the April Issue of The Hearing Journal. In the document, he outlined practical solutions to reduce the risk of music-induced hearing disorders (MIHD) in rehearsals and performances.

"By treating our ears as the invaluable, irreplaceable assets they are, we can take important steps to improve our performance while reducing the risk of a career-limiting hearing injury."

Download the PDF for free, or view the article and April issue of the Hearing Journal online.

Of course, as musicians we often find that our settings don't quite fit the mold and some of these suggestions may not apply or require adjustment to work for our needs. Contact Earmark Hearing Conservation to discuss your situation and needs. Phone consultations are free and a good first step towards taking control over your listening and monitoring situation.

Hearing Conservation Through Partnership With Musicians

Figure. Hearing Conservation, Musicians, Hearing Loss. iStock/cyano66. Source Hearing Conservation Through Partnership With Musicians The Hearing Journal. 70(3):16,18,20, March 2017.

Article on the Musician/Audiologist Interactions

The Hearing Journal recently published an article by Frank Wartinger, Au.D., titled "Hearing Conservation Through Partnership With Musicians"

Clinician's Perspective

The implicit distinction of hearing conservation services for musicians was discussed from the clinician's perspective with the hope of fostering more positive, supportive, and productive partnerships between clinicians and the musicians they serve. By better understanding the musician's goals and needs, audiologists can more effectively discuss performance-oriented aspects of hearing conservation interventions.

Musician's Perspective

In the next issue of The Hearing Journal we will explore the same clinician/client relationship from the musician's perspective. Contact Earmark Hearing Conservation to discuss your past experiences with audiology and how you would like to promote a productive interactions for mutual success.

Susan Rogers: From Prince to Ph.D.

Susan Rogers, Ph.D. Photo from TapeOp ISSUE #117 JAN/FEB 2017

Susan Rogers: Sound Hero

TapeOp recently published a fantastic and expansive interview with the great Susan Rogers, Ph.D. She is perhaps best known as Prince's engineer for many years in the mid 80s, as well as her extensive career as a record producer and mixing engineer with diverse groups including David Byrne, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Rusted Root, Barenaked Ladies, Tricky, Geggy Tah, and Michael Penn. But, what sets her apart as a bonafide Sound Hero (my new designation for people like her) is her work in Music Cognition. Currently, she is focusing her studying on the causes of tinnitus and hyperacusis.

"The mechanisms are just now being understood, but at Berklee I can investigate our musician populations to see if some musicians are at a greater risk than others of developing tinnitus. Will it be the horn players, or the drummers, or the electric guitar players? Will it be the vocalists? Think about it, if you're singing in a choir, you're singing next to a sound source that can get really loud. Really, really loud. Who's at the greatest risk?"

Music Cognition

To hear more of Susan Rogers speaking about the discipline of Music Cognition, check out her video explanation of her work with the Berklee Music Perception and Cognition Laboratory. To hear her speak about music and auditory science, it is clear the connections are deep and endlessly explorable:

The arts and sciences, I discovered, have way more similarities than I ever realized. It's just that the directionality of it is different. In the arts we imagine a condensed ball of dark matter that contains all of humanity, all of human knowledge, and you explode it into billions and billions of individual expressions of the human condition. Paintings, movies, television shows, books, records, and songs. You've got billions of individual ways of describing what it means to be human. Science is the same exact process, in reverse. We look at all the individuals, then we work our way back and try to describe what is universal. How do people hear? How do they think? How do they pay attention? How do they decide? How do they learn? How do they memorize? How do they grow? That's what science does. So it's the same journey, just in a different direction. You can explore record making with the goals of individual expression, or you can explore auditory science with the goal of what we all have in common.

Here is hoping for a continued stream of excellence from Dr. Rogers in helping us understand everything from a solid groove to the cause of the most puzzling auditory disorders, such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. Clearly, a great background in music creation can lead to a great career in music cognition and hearing science.

Safety Headphones: Not All Are Made Equal

The Wirecutter just released an analysis of Volume Limiting Earphones, otherwise known as 'Safe' or 'Kids' headphones. Besides confirming that many do in fact protect our children's hearing, it was revealed that many fail to serve up the kind of results we would expect given their marketing claims. This is concerning and the consumer should be careful to choose a device that has been proven to be safe.

Read more from the New York Times' response here. As always, if you have any questions regarding hearing conservation and safe listening, contact Dr. Frank Wartinger at Earmark Hearing Conservation.

Motorcycle Riding Earplugs Review

Hearing Protection for Motorcyclists

Although Earmark primarily works with musicians, we keep our ear to the ground for all things sound and hearing related. There exists considerable interest in hearing conservation in other other circles outside of music... after all, we aren't the only ones that make a lot of noise and care about our hearing. Motorcyclists are exposed to constant high noise levels, and many have taken to earplugs to help keep their hearing safe from the road, engine, and wind noise.

Motorcyclist Online published several articles pertaining to hearing protection use over the years. Most recently, a review of the Etymotic ER•20XS earplugs was particularly helpful.

Earplug Options for the Open Road

If you're interested in discussing your hearing, hearing protection options, or obtaining custom hearing protection devices, contact Dr. Frank Wartinger for a free phone consultation.

Tinnitus and DJing

Tinnitus: A Real Problem For Every DJ

Ean Golden, the man behind the site DJTechTools.com, laid out a personal and practical account of tinnitus and, in a larger sense, what it means to have your career path altered by auditory damage. In the article that could have been titled 'how to avoid destroying your ears while DJing', he wrote about his own tinnitus which came on at the peak of his professional DJing career.

"That fear, and the realization that DJing was making things worse, triggered me to change my lifestyle and significantly reduce noise. In the end that meant adjusting how I DJed, cutting most gigs and limiting set lengths. Having something taken away from you without choice was profoundly depressing and took a while to get over."

Although Ean wrote this article several years ago, it is impressive to see many subsequent articles he published pertaining to practical hearing protection tips.

Tinnitus is not the end

"Fortunately, it was a blessing in disguise. Instead of gigging full time, my focus turned to this site and today, I feel significantly more fulfilled helping others DJ but for many, tinnitus may mean the end of a career completely"

On a personal level, I reflect Ean's sentiment that even the worst outcome can have an upshot. The realization that my persistent tinnitus would significantly damper my budding music career, or at least hinder the enjoyment of that career, lead me to study Audiology. Now I devote the majority of my time to helping others maintain their own music careers - a cathartic and productive twist.

Message of caution

Often I find that after countless hours of wording and rewording hearing conservation messages, someone else has found a way to say the same thing more clearly and realistically than I could. Ean Golden proves this phenomenon again in his closing lines: 

"Your ears can heal themselves of short term damage, but once things are really broken, they are broken for good."

http://djtechtools.com/2012/05/20/tinnitus-a-real-problem-for-every-dj/

Sound on Mars?

It is hard to be as excited about hearing as we are and not be excited about sound in general. That is why it is with intense curiosity that we are reading about the plans to include a microphone on the Mars 2020 rover vehicle. This represents the first time we will be able to pick up the sounds of Mars directly and transmit them to Earth. As if recording the Martian soundscape isn’t reason enough, the main purpose of the microphone is to serve the SuperCam and the LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) sensor. What does the LIBS do? Glad you asked: it vaporizes rocks with a laser.

Sounds from space, or more accurately sounds derived from the sensor and radar data of space probes, have been circulating the internet for years. They are infinitely inspiring, interesting, strange, and beautiful in their own way. They are also admittedly geeky and densely scientific, so it is understandable if the general public hasn't explored them to their fullest. The great Carl Sagan was perhaps the first to recognize the potential public interest in actual Martian sounds. Sylvestre Maurice, a planetary scientist at the Research Institute in Astrophysics and Planetology in France, told Space.com:

"It's science, but it's a little bit different… It's cool, not obscure."  

Science of Hearing Wellness

Dr. Michael Santucci, the founder and president of Sensaphonics, Inc., recently penned a concise and thoughtful review for ProSoundWeb.com which discussed the science of sound, hearing, and hearing wellness for the musical community. The entire article is clear and expertly laid out, but I want to bring special attention to the last line of the article:

"There’s no reason a career in music or pro audio should cost you your hearing. We have the technology and techniques to help you keep your hearing while still enjoying the music you love!"

Hearing Damage is Not Inevitable

I hear all too often the sentiment that a loss of hearing or tinnitus is a 'badge of honor', or in some way a foregone conclusion if one leads the life of a musical professional. This couldn't be further from the truth, but we often confuse anecdotal patterns - countless reports of rockstars' careers being cut short citing auditory problems - with actual causal relationships. Dr. Santucci put it succinctly with the above except and in this article: the technology, and almost more importantly the techniques and mindset/behavior changes, are available to keep your music going for your whole life time.

Many thanks to Dr. Santucci for his words and to ProSoundWeb.com for their commitment to sharing important information on Hearing Wellness to their readers.

Link: The Science Of Hearing Wellness: The Doctor Is In

Hearing Protection Myths and Recommendations: The Lowdown from Two Rock-Star Audiologists

Reverb, the gear-driven marketplace/community, may be young (started in 2013) but it is proving to be wise beyond its years. With a series of articles regarding hearing wellness, Reverb.com has shown a commitment to not only helping musicians get the gear they want/need, but also helping musicians keep the hearing they have. This emphasis reminds the reader that it isn't all about the gear, it is really all about the ear.

https://reverb.com/ca/news/hearing-protection-myths-and-recommendations-the-lowdown-from-two-rock-star-audiologists

Army's Smart Earplug Damps Explosive Noise, But Can Enhance Whispers

NPR recently aired an accurate and well produced piece about the Army's newest efforts to address communication and hearing conservation for soldiers.

Similar technology is available for hunters, construction workers, and others in need of situational awareness as well as sound isolation from high intensity impulse sounds... but it tends to look so much cooler when paired with fatigues and worn by a guy who's name is "Sgt. Bacon".

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/06/03/480173016/armys-smart-earplug-damps-explosive-noise-but-can-enhance-whispers

Pearl Jam and MusiCares joining forces

Hearing Protection at Concerts

Making hearing protection at concerts a positive headline is something we can get behind. Good on you, Pearl Jam! 

MusiCares is Raising Awareness

MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Grammy Foundation and the Recording Academy. Their mission statement says it all: 

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Read more about this exciting partnership that is bringing considerable attention to hearing wellness in the concert attendee audience. 

"Stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss”

Doctors advised AC/DC singer Brian Johnson to "stop touring immediately or risk total hearing loss." http://consequenceofsound.net/2016/03/acdc-frontman-brian-johnson-ordered-to-stop-touring-immediately-or-risk-total-hearing-loss/

I hope there is more to this story, for Brian Johnson's sake. Not only is AC/DC known as one of the loudest bands of all time (http://tinyurl.com/jhyfgx9), Mr. Johnson has cited race car driving as a cause for hearing damage in past interviews. Whatever may be the exact cause, musicians like Brian Johnson rely on their hearing to deliver their performances, night after night. It is a real tragedy when a performer can no longer continue due to hearing problems.