This discussion is very helpful. Thank you for the responses. The Troost article does indicate with good evidence, that piano tuning, particularly with loud blow technique, can and does cause hearing damage. We have been taught to use loud or firm blow techniques for years. The Steinway manual encourages this. (Not to blame them but just to say this has been the normal recommendation.) A tuning teacher of mine remarked that hearing loss from tuning didn't seem likely to him because the decibel level just wasn't there. In the tuning exam we are encouraged to use test blows to stabilize and then the examiners use test blows for grading. There is a pattern of a damage causing technique that has been encouraged in our profession. I believed what I read and heard. Now after only 7 years of tuning, I may be already experiencing some damage. My ears have been ringing when I lay down at night (at that time my environment is finally quiet enough that I can notice the ringing sound that has been there all day anyway). So, I became concerned and began using the 20db disposable plugs regularly. Earlier I had used these and others (I think Diane Hofstetter's that I bought at a convention a few years ago. What is the db rating on those?) I now want some that will be comfortable to wear at every tuning and everytime I am exposed to loudness. The ringing, or tinnitus, has not stopped even though I am using the plugs regularly. I'm wondering if the 15 db filters are enough for the needed protection. It seems most of you who have said you use plugs use the 15db. Another problem with loud blow techniques is the possible damage and pain to the playing hand. Could this also lead to carpel tunnel. A mentor of mine, who has done a lot of high level concert tuning, has switched to pianissimo tuning. To make sure the string is set he uses a hammer shank to push sideways on the string. This may bring about the same amount of deflection in the string as a loud test blow. I believe John Patton of Steinway told of this technique. It sounds pretty good but I wonder about damage to the agraffe by pushing the string like this. I would like to hear your thoughts on this as far as effectiveness and agraffe or capo problems that may result. (Sorry to open another can of worms.) In summary, I believe we have, albeit not on purpose, fostered the use of potentially damaging techniques for our ears, hands and wrists. There may have been an occassional class or article on this in the past, however a much stronger and consistent emphasis needs to be made. Do you agree? Cheerios! Bob Hull --- Jeff Olson <jlolson@cal.net> wrote: > Found some links, guys/gals, relevant to this > discussion. This one, in > particular, fascinated: > > http://www.troostmuziek.nl/Piano%20Onderzoek%20LUMC.htm > > and > > http://www.troostmuziek.nl/SummaryHP.htm > > Jeff > > _______________________________________________ > caut list info: > https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives > __________________________________ Start your day with Yahoo! - Make it your home page! http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
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