Author: Lauren Culver

On Thursday 2nd October, I had the privilege of representing Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services at a Hearing Health event hosted by Remedē Health and TinniSoothe at Bang & Olufsen Mayfair. The evening brought together experts and advocates to share insights on how musicians can protect their hearing without compromising their performance.

Learning from Fellow Experts

I was honoured to join a panel with Andrea Greene (Remedē Health), Howard Presland (TinniSoothe), Alex Brooks-Johnson (Tinnitus UK), Andy Shiach (ACS Custom), and Dr. Ryan Chin Taw Cheong (Cleveland Clinic London). Together, we explored practical strategies for hearing protection, managing tinnitus, and maintaining long-term ear health.

The discussion covered custom in-ear protection, the importance of regular hearing checks, and personal experiences with tinnitus. One key takeaway from the evening was clear: early awareness and proactive prevention are essential for preserving hearing in the music industry.

It was inspiring to meet so many people who share my passion for hearing health and are committed to raising awareness. I’m particularly excited about the future of tinnitus management and how it can help musicians continue their careers safely.

About Me

As Clinical Lead at Harley Street Hearing and Musicians’ Hearing Services, I support musicians and performers across the UK with hearing aid technology, custom hearing protection, and personalised education. Helping artists protect their hearing so they can stay connected to the sounds they love is at the heart of what I do.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about protecting your hearing or want personalised advice, I can guide you on strategies that let you perform confidently while safeguarding your ears. Contact us to book a consultation.

For music producer and songwriter Geo, sound is more than just hearing, it is how they connect with the world. Having relied on hearing aids for years, they began noticing that some frequencies, especially in the low and mid ranges, were becoming harder to hear. This was affecting not only daily life, but also their music.

“I had been using the same hearing aids for about six years,” Geo explains. “I did not realise at first how much of the sound spectrum I was missing. Chords and bass lines were not clear in my tracks, and it was subtly affecting my creativity.”

Finding the right support

At the time, Geo’s audiologist was overseas, making it hard to get regular adjustments or specialist care tailored to a musician’s needs. Discovering Harley Street Hearing through the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme was a turning point.

They booked an appointment with audiologist Fiona Butterworth, whose understanding of both music and hearing health made an immediate impression. “Fiona’s attention to detail convinced me to choose Harley Street Hearing,” Geo says. “Having someone local who understands a musician’s needs has been invaluable.”

The right technology

After a thorough consultation, Geo was fitted with Phonak Audéo Lumity hearing aids. Fiona explained the different technology levels and why this model, with its music-friendly accessories and advanced sound processing, would suit their lifestyle.

The results were immediate. “When I first put them on and listened to my music playlist, I heard details I had never noticed before,” Geo recalls. “The clarity across low and high frequencies was incredible. It completely changed how I experience music.”

Life-changing features

The hearing aids’ dedicated music mode has been transformative, allowing Geo to hear layers of sound previously missed. Speech-in-noise mode has also made everyday conversations much easier, helping them focus on voices while tuning out background noise.

Adjusting took some time, as expected, but over a year later, Geo cannot imagine going back. “Your brain adapts,” they explain. “Now I can fully appreciate the detail in music again. It has been life-changing.”

The importance of ongoing care

Geo credits much of their success to Fiona’s ongoing support. “She is the only audiologist I see now. Fiona takes time to troubleshoot, explains the settings, listens to my needs, and even supports me with urgent appointments and funding applications. I honestly could not ask for more.”

Back to enjoying music

Today, Geo feels confident in both the studio and daily life. Their hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and perfectly tailored, allowing them to create, perform, and enjoy music with clarity they once thought was lost.

“If you are a musician worried hearing aids might hold you back, do not be. With the right support, they can give you so much back.”

For musicians or music lovers looking to enhance hearing and experience music fully, professional audiology support can make all the difference. Contact us to find out more about hearing aids tailored to your needs

For 29-year-old trumpet player Luke, music has always been at the heart of his life. Years spent performing live had immersed him in powerful, complex sound, but when he started noticing a persistent ringing in his right ear, everything changed.

The first warning signs

At first, the tinnitus was subtle, but in quiet hotel rooms while on tour, it became impossible to ignore. “Sleeping was difficult, and I worried constantly about how this might affect my career,” Luke explains. “Knowing that tinnitus in one ear can sometimes indicate more serious issues added to the stress.”

Seeking expert advice

Luke discovered Harley Street Hearing through the Musicians’ Union and booked a consultation to assess his hearing health. He wanted to identify any factors contributing to his tinnitus, explore custom earplugs to protect his hearing, and trial in-ear monitors (IEMs) for safer, controlled sound during performances.

His appointment with audiologist Matt Frost made an immediate impact. “Matt advised me to get NHS scans because the tinnitus was only in one ear,” Luke recalls. “Everything came back clear, which was a huge relief.”

Matt also explained how Luke’s years of standing on one side of a drum kit had likely contributed to the problem and guided him on consistent hearing protection.

“Matt really understood what it meant to be a professional musician,” Luke says. “He’s around my age and knows the realities of life on tour. Having that support was invaluable.”

Taking control of his hearing

Today, Luke feels informed, reassured, and empowered. By following Matt’s guidance on safe noise exposure and using custom ear protection, his tinnitus has reduced and become a useful signal rather than a constant stressor.

“My tinnitus now acts like a warning system,” he explains. “If it spikes, I know the environment is too loud and I need protection. In a way, I’m grateful for it.”

Adjusting to new tools

Learning to use IEMs as a trumpet player came with challenges. The occlusion effect—feeling “blocked in” while playing—made the adjustment tricky at first. Over time, however, Luke became comfortable with them.

“Most importantly, I know I am protecting my hearing and safeguarding my career,” he says. “It’s completely worth it.”

Advice to fellow musicians

Luke’s message is simple but vital: “Prevention is the best medicine. Don’t ignore the warning signs. Take action early to protect your hearing while still enjoying the music you love.”

Whether you’re dealing with tinnitus, exploring custom hearing protection, or considering IEMs for safer stage sound, expert guidance can make all the difference. Contact us today to find out how to protect your ears and your career.

For Elena, sound has always been a lifeline. As a professional musician with a visual impairment, her ears connect her to the world in ways most of us take for granted. Yet, over time, she began to notice subtle changes that made her question whether her hearing was still as sharp as it needed to be.

The first signs

Elena’s awareness of potential hearing difficulties started with a message from the Musicians’ Union encouraging members to check their hearing. It struck a chord. She remembered the trauma of the 7th July 2005 attacks in London and wondered whether her hearing changes were real or just a product of her imagination.

“At first, I couldn’t tell if something was wrong,” Elena recalls. “Because of my visual impairment, I rely on hearing more than most. It’s how I navigate the world and my music.”

At the time, living in Scotland, she had tried NHS hearing aids. They helped, but her professional needs were complex, and she longed for a solution that fit both her musical career and her daily life.

The impact on daily life

Before finding the right support, Elena often felt frustrated and isolated. “I struggled to follow conversations, and once I even sang the wrong note while harmonising,” she shares. “Having to constantly ask people to repeat themselves was embarrassing.”

The challenges weren’t limited to music. Crossing streets or navigating busy areas became daunting. “I rely on hearing to cross safely. When I couldn’t hear properly, I felt nervous and unsure. I might have annoyed a few motorists too,” she says with a laugh.

Finding specialised support

Elena reached out to the Royal Society of Musicians, who guided her toward more tailored options. That led her to Harley Street Hearing, where audiologist Matthew Allsop took the time to understand her unique situation.

“Matthew has been incredible,” Elena says. “He listens carefully, not just to what I say, but to what I need as a musician and as someone visually impaired.”

After a detailed discussion of her hearing challenges, Matthew recommended Widex Moment RIC hearing aids. These devices adapt automatically to different environments, reducing the constant need for manual adjustments.

“One of the things I love most is that the aids adjust themselves,” Elena explains. “I can also tweak settings using the Widex app when necessary. It’s made life so much easier.”

Life with hearing aids

Adjusting to her new hearing aids was smooth, and four years later, Elena has noticed profound improvements.

“I no longer sing off-key, I can tune my instrument accurately, and I feel more confident moving around,” she says. “Social situations are easier, too, though public spaces still have room to become more hearing-friendly.”

Elena emphasizes the importance of a collaborative relationship with an audiologist. “Many people don’t know what to ask for or how to describe their struggles. Having someone who listens and adapts makes all the difference. Without Harley Street Hearing, I’d probably still be missing out.”

Back in tune with life

Today, Elena feels fully reconnected to her music, independence, and the world around her.

“My life has changed completely,” she reflects. “Finding an audiologist who truly understands your needs is transformative.”

Experience the difference personalised hearing care can make. Contact us to see how we can help you reconnect with the sounds you love.