A groundbreaking initiative aims to protect the hearing of those who bring us the music we love.
In an industry built on sound, protecting the ears that make it all possible has never been more critical. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a nonprofit supporting musicians in need, has joined forces with Sweetwater, one of the world’s largest musical instrument and audio gear retailers, to launch the Hearing Health Fund—a pioneering program that delivers free hearing screenings and high-fidelity earplugs to artists and music industry professionals. This initiative takes aim at a growing but often overlooked crisis: noise-induced hearing loss.
A Silent Epidemic in the Music Industry
It’s estimated that 40% of musicians and music industry workers suffer from hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud environments. Whether you’re on stage, behind a mixing board, or working security at a club, the risk is real—and often irreversible.
According to a 2023 EDM.com survey, nearly half of all music festival attendees reported not wearing any kind of ear protection. This statistic not only reveals the casual neglect among fans but also echoes the behavior of performers and backstage crew who often forgo protection to stay fully immersed in the music.
While the high-energy atmosphere of raves, festivals, and concerts is part of what makes the EDM scene so magnetic, it also creates environments that frequently exceed safe decibel levels—putting the entire community at risk.
What the Hearing Health Fund Offers
The Hearing Health Fund is designed as a no-cost, proactive solution for musicians, sound engineers, venue staff, and anyone else working in the music ecosystem. Here’s what it provides:
- Free Three-Part Hearing Screenings: These are administered by licensed audiologists to identify early signs of hearing damage and help recipients understand their auditory health.
- Personalized Consultations: Following the screenings, individuals receive a detailed explanation of their results along with expert advice on hearing protection and long-term auditory care.
- Etymotic ER-20XS High Fidelity Earplugs: These professional-grade earplugs reduce sound levels evenly across frequencies, allowing users to hear music clearly—just at a safer volume. They’re considered a gold standard in live music hearing protection.
This thoughtful, preventative approach isn’t just about hearing safety—it’s about sustaining careers and keeping the art alive for decades to come.
Expert Voices Emphasize Prevention
“Screening is essential to protecting musicians from hearing loss because once the damage is done, there’s no going back to ‘normal,’” says Dr. Todd Page, Sweetwater’s in-house physician. “It’s heartbreaking telling a fellow musician their tinnitus isn’t fixable; that it’s too late to reverse it, and all they can do is adapt and try to keep it from progressing.”
Tinnitus—persistent ringing in the ears—is a common condition among musicians. Once it develops, it can’t be cured, only managed. The Hearing Health Fund is designed to stop that progression before it starts.
A Collaboration with Purpose
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund has long been a champion for artists, offering financial support during times of illness, disability, or age-related challenges. This partnership with Sweetwater marks a significant expansion of their health advocacy efforts.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Sweetwater to bring this vital resource to our music community,” says Aric Steinberg, EVP of Development and Artist Relations at Sweet Relief. “Music-induced hearing loss and disorders are 100% preventable. Our free hearing health screenings are another way for Sweet Relief to care for musicians and ensure people of all income levels have access to quality medical resources.”
Sweetwater, already known for outfitting countless artists and studios with high-end sound gear, is using its platform to do more than sell gear—it’s investing in the longevity and wellness of those who rely on their products to create.
How to Get Involved
Musicians and industry professionals can apply to the program through an easy online form available on Sweet Relief’s official website. In addition to screenings and earplugs, applicants may qualify for ongoing support, including referrals for hearing aids or tinnitus therapy.
This initiative is more than just a healthcare program—it’s a cultural shift. It encourages the EDM community to stop normalizing hearing damage as “part of the job” and instead embrace protective habits that enhance, not hinder, the experience of music.
Why This Matters for the EDM Scene
In electronic dance music, hearing isn’t just a physical sense—it’s the soul of the craft. DJs, producers, and fans alike depend on pristine audio to feel every drop, every build, every bassline. Yet many have grown up believing that the ringing in your ears after a show is simply a badge of honor. It’s not.
The Hearing Health Fund is a wake-up call—and a powerful reminder that protecting your hearing is protecting your passion.