Steven Osborne is a Scottish classical pianist. He is one of the artists featured by the research charity Tinnitus Quest in its stories of musicians living with tinnitus, and he has spoken on radio about why earplugs matter for people who make music.
What Steven Osborne has said about tinnitus
Tinnitus Quest, a charity that supports research into tinnitus, includes Osborne among the artists who share their experience of living with the condition. His story appears in the charity’s collection of accounts from musicians and other performers.
Osborne has also talked on RNZ, New Zealand’s public broadcaster, about the importance of earplugs for musicians. Coming from a classical pianist, that message is a helpful reminder that hearing care is not only a concern for rock bands and club DJs.
Why classical musicians are at risk too
It is easy to think of classical music as quiet, but a grand piano played with full force, an orchestra in a resonant hall or a brass section a few feet away can all be very loud. Musicians also practice for many hours a day, often in small rooms where sound bounces off hard walls. NIOSH recommends keeping noise below an average of 85 dBA over eight hours, and every 3 dB more halves the safe time. Too much exposure over the years can damage the inner ear’s hair cells, which cannot regrow, leading to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Long daily practice. Several hours at the instrument, day after day, add up to a large total dose of sound.
- Small, hard-surfaced rooms. Practice rooms with bare walls and floors can make an instrument much louder than it would be in a hall.
- Position in an ensemble. Players seated in front of brass or percussion receive loud sound from behind.
- Rehearsals and performances together. On concert weeks, rehearsal time and performances stack on top of normal practice.
- Listening for detail. Classical musicians rely on fine hearing, so even small changes can feel very important to them.
Practical hearing-protection habits for musicians
Protecting your hearing does not mean playing less. These habits help pianists, orchestra members, singers and music students keep their ears healthy over a long career:
| Habit | How to do it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Use musician’s earplugs | Try flat-attenuation plugs during loud practice and rehearsals | Lowers volume evenly so tone stays natural |
| Soften the practice room | Add a rug, curtains or soft panels | Reduces echo and overall loudness |
| Split long practice sessions | Take a short quiet break every hour | Lets your ears rest between blocks |
| Daily ear support | A formula you have reviewed with your doctor | Everyday support for ears and mind |
Many musicians worry that earplugs will spoil their sense of balance and tone. Musician’s earplugs are designed to reduce sound evenly across pitches, and custom-fitted versions from an audiologist can be more comfortable. It may take a few weeks to get used to playing with them.
Music students and teachers can benefit from the same habits. Building hearing protection into lessons early makes it feel normal rather than awkward, and a hearing test at the start of serious study gives a useful baseline to compare with later. If ringing lingers after a rehearsal, take it as a sign to rest your ears and review your setup.
What tinnitus is, in plain terms
Tinnitus is hearing a sound, such as ringing, hissing or buzzing, that has no outside source. It is usually subjective, heard only by the person, and often goes along with hearing loss from noise or aging of the ear, earwax, ear infections or certain medicines. Objective tinnitus, which a doctor might also hear, is uncommon and is usually related to blood flow or muscles near the ear, so it should always be checked.
Over time, many people notice their tinnitus less as the brain learns to filter it out, a process called habituation. Sound therapy with gentle background sound, cognitive behavioral therapy and hearing aids, when hearing loss is present, are common and well-studied approaches. An audiologist can help you put a plan together.
A closer look at the ZenCortex formula
Earplugs and a quieter practice space protect the ears from outside sound. Many people also like to add a simple daily habit for their hearing, and ZenCortex has been a much-discussed formula among people with ringing ears lately, with many of them now making it part of their everyday routine. The company describes it as a liquid formula with over 20 carefully selected ingredients, made in the USA, non-habit forming and free of stimulants. Among them:✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
- Grape seed and green tea, two sources of plant antioxidants
- Panax ginseng and astragalus, herbs with a long traditional use for vitality and clarity
- Gymnema sylvestre and capsicum annuum, part of the botanical blend
- Chromium picolinate and maca root, included for overall energy and well-being
How to get started today
- Get a baseline hearing test. An audiologist can test your hearing and fit you for musician’s earplugs that suit your instrument.
- Track practice and ringing. Our free Tinnitus Diary helps you record practice hours, rehearsals, sleep and how the ringing feels.
- Add daily support for ears and mind. Along with good protection, this is where many readers choose ZenCortex.
- Choose the best value. The 6-bottle package has the lowest price per bottle, free US shipping and two bonus e-books.
- $49 per bottle on the 6-bottle package (save $780)
- Free US shipping on every 6-bottle order
- 2 free bonus e-books on hearing and memory
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Common questions
Does Steven Osborne have tinnitus?
He is featured by the charity Tinnitus Quest among artists living with tinnitus, and he has spoken on RNZ about the importance of earplugs for musicians.
Can practicing the piano damage your hearing?
It can, if loud playing goes on for many hours in a small, echoey room. Softening the room, taking breaks and using musician’s earplugs during loud sessions can lower the risk.
Will earplugs change how my instrument sounds?
Standard foam plugs muffle high pitches more than low ones. Musician’s earplugs reduce sound more evenly, so music sounds closer to normal, just quieter.
Where can I buy ZenCortex?
On the official website, which lists the current packages, the two bonus e-books and the 60-day money-back guarantee. Check the label with your doctor first if you take any medicines.✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
In summary
Steven Osborne is among the artists featured by Tinnitus Quest as living with tinnitus, and he has spoken publicly about the importance of earplugs for musicians. Classical music can be loud, and long practice hours in small rooms add up. Musician’s earplugs, a softer practice space, regular breaks and periodic hearing tests are simple ways to protect your ears.
With better practice habits and a hearing check on your list, now is the perfect time to try ZenCortex, with free shipping on every 6-bottle order and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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