Protect Your Ears, Protect Your Career

"The first duty of a DJ is to protect the music. The second duty is to protect the ears of those who listen."
— Bill Brewster

Alright, let’s get real for a second. You’ve got the gear, you’ve got the tunes, and you’re ready to make the crowd go wild. But have you ever thought about what your ears are going through while you’re busy smashing out those beats?

Yeah, I didn’t think so.

Here’s the thing—your ears are your most valuable asset as a DJ. Without them, there’s no rhythm, no vibe, no connection with the music that fuels your passion. And if you’re not careful, you might just be turning down the volume on your career before it really gets a chance to take off.

I know, I know. Protecting your hearing doesn’t sound as glamorous as dropping the next big track. But trust me, this is something you need to take seriously. Let me break it down for you.

The Decibel Danger Zone

First off, let’s talk numbers. The average nightclub pumps out music at a deafening 100 to 120 decibels. To put that in perspective, that’s about as loud as a chainsaw or a jet engine. And here’s the kicker—exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can start to damage your hearing after just a couple of hours.

So what does that mean for you, the DJ who spends hours on end behind the decks? It means that every time you’re spinning, your ears are taking a hit. And if you’re not protecting them, that damage adds up fast.

Hearing Loss Isn’t Just for Old Rockers

You might be thinking, “Hearing loss? That’s something old rock stars deal with, not me!” But the truth is, hearing damage can start at any age, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. No more perfect pitch, no more subtle mix adjustments, no more hearing that crisp hi-hat or deep bassline the way it’s meant to be heard.

I’m not saying this to scare you—okay, maybe just a little—but because I want you to have a long, successful career doing what you love. And that means taking care of your ears.

Simple Steps to Save Your Hearing

Now, I’m not here to lecture you without giving you some solid advice. Here are a few easy steps you can take to protect your hearing without sacrificing the music:

1. Invest in Quality Earplugs: Not those cheap foam things you grab at the drugstore. I’m talking about high-fidelity earplugs designed for musicians and DJs. These babies reduce the volume without distorting the sound, so you can still hear every beat, every mix, just at a safer level.

2. Take Breaks: Your ears need a rest just like the rest of your body. Step away from the speakers, take a breather, and give your ears a chance to recover. It’s not just good for your hearing; it’s good for your creativity too.

3. Mind the Monitors: Keep an eye—or rather, an ear—on the volume of your monitor speakers. It’s tempting to crank them up, especially when the crowd is going wild, but try to keep them at a level where you can hear yourself without blasting your ears.

4. Regular Hearing Checks: Just like you’d check your gear before a gig, check your hearing regularly. It’s easy to ignore minor changes, but catching hearing loss early can make a huge difference in preventing further damage.

Your Future as a DJ Depends on It

I know it might not be the sexiest topic, but protecting your hearing is one of the smartest things you can do for your DJ career. Your ears are your most valuable tool, and without them, everything else falls apart. So do yourself a favore—invest in them, care for them, and they’ll keep you rocking the decks for years to come.

Remember, your career isn’t just about the tracks you play; it’s about the way you listen, the way you connect with the music, and the way you share that connection with the world. And that all starts with healthy ears.

So next time you’re packing your gear for a gig, don’t forget the most important thing—protect your ears, and you’ll protect your career.