Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme FAQ’s
How do I apply?
Just complete this simple form. No need to call to apply.
Is there a deadline?
It is a rolling scheme with no closing date. You can apply at any time.
How much will it cost me?
It costs £50 to join (£37.50 if you’re an MU member), and gives you a package worth over £240.
I’m a member of the Hearing Passport Scheme, what does this new scheme mean for me?
You are eligible to join the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme – just complete this simple form.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the appointment?
Nothing is needed but it is advisable to use ear drops or olive oil two days prior in case you have any wax build-up.
What will happen during the appointment?
The audiologist will examine your ears with an otoscope.
A full audiological assessment including a hearing test will be carried out and impressions will be taken of your ears.
You will also be given advice on earcare and advised on the best attenuation level for your hearing protection filters.
If there is any soft wax in the ear the audiologist will offer our earcare removal services at a cost of £50. Should you prefer to see your GP your appointment will be re-booked for after any wax has been removed.
If the ear is infected or if there is any significant abnormality in the ear we will refer you for further medical attention with your GP or consultant.
Will you confirm my appointment?
Yes, we will send you a text the day before your appointment.
How long will the appointment take?
Approximately 30 minutes. If wax removal is required this will be 45 minutes.
What type of custom-made earplugs do I get?
The Scheme provides all musicians with ACS PRO series custom made earplugs.
The attenuation (different filter strength) will be discussed at your appointment.
What happens if I lose my custom-made earplugs.
From January 2018 we scan your ear impressions, so you can re-order replacements on the phone.
The replacement cost is £149 per pair.
Can I order in ear monitors?
The scheme does not cover IEM’s. However, you can order outside of the scheme.
Normally you will order from individual manufacturers and then we will take your impressions at a cost of £80.
Most manufacturers require an open-jaw impression (this is a different impression to those that we take for your custom earplugs).
See IEM manufacturers here
Do I have to have wax removed?
Yes. We can only take impressions of ears if they are wax-free otherwise we cannot take a true impression of your ears, and they will not have a snug fit.
Can I clean my ears with earbuds to remove wax?
NO this is not recommended and can cause damage.
I have got an ear infection, can I come to my appointment?
No, not until the infection is cured.
If you haven’t done so you should contact your GP, or an ENT consultant, for further advise.
I have got tinnitus, would you be able to help?
Custom-made earplugs provided will help to manage your tinnitus.
Further Tinnitus and Hearing Therapy Management appointments are available outside the scheme. For further details click here
I have got a hearing aid can I wear earplugs?
At your appointment we can assess and advise you according to your individual hearing loss and personal circumstances.
What is the turnaround time?
From your appointment date your custom-made earplugs will be ready in 15 working days (3 weeks).
When do I need to pay?
We take payment at the time of booking your appointment.
What are the optional extras?
Custom-made earplugs are clear, however you can choose from a variety of colours.
You can also ask for detachable neck cords.
There is no charge under the scheme for these extras (normal price is £10 for colours & £10 for detachable neck cords).
Can I re-schedule my appointment once booked?
Yes, you can, subject to availability.
What if I haven’t booked my appointment?
You have 6 months in which to book, after this you will need to re-apply.
Can I change the filters attenuation level?
Yes, within 30 days of receiving your earplugs.
Your ACS PRO series earplugs are designed to allow the filters to be interchangeable.
After the trial period we can provide additional filters (charges apply £70 a pair).
Different attenuation Pro Filters available are 10, 15, 17, 20 and 26.
I haven’t heard if my application has been successful yet.
We will contact you within 5 working days – in the unlikely event that you have not heard from us please e-mail here or call 020 7486 1053 Option 1.
I am an employer and I would like to sign up all the musicians that work for me. What is the best way to do this?
The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme is designed for individual musicians, whether salaried or freelance. It is not a replacement for employer responsibilities under the Control of Noise At Work Regulations 2005 (CNAR).
We encourage individuals to apply to us but are not able to accept applications submitted by an employer on behalf of a musician.
If you are an employer, you can contact the Musicians’ Union to discuss your responsibilities and liabilities under the CNAR 2005 legislation.
