Health problems of musicians

Playing music for a living comes with its own set of physical and mental health risks. The specific hazards depend heavily on a musician’s career path, the type of work they do, and where they perform.

The most frequent physical problem is repetitive strain injury. Surveys of orchestral players show that between 64 and 76 percent have significant cases. Other common musculoskeletal issues include carpal tunnel syndrome and focal dystonia. Beyond muscles and joints, musicians face a range of other conditions: contact dermatitis, hearing problems from loud sound exposure (like tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis, and diplacusis), respiratory issues or pneumothorax, increased eye pressure, acid reflux, and psychological struggles such as performance anxiety. They are also more likely to have problems with their mouth and teeth, which can sometimes become permanent and end their ability to play.

Hearing care for musicians is inconsistent across the industry, though the American Academy of Audiology has published a best-practice guide for preventing hearing loss. Brass and woodwind players have a higher risk of inguinal hernia. Woodwind players, especially if they don’t clean their instruments properly, can rarely develop a lung condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis—sometimes called “saxophone lung”—caused by a fungal infection.

Disc jockeys in nightclubs face their own set of dangers. Nightclubs routinely blast sound at unsafe levels, averaging 93.2 to 109.7 decibels. Constant exposure at an average of 96 dB—above the level where ear protection is mandatory in industry—causes both temporary and permanent hearing damage. Three-quarters of DJs have tinnitus, and they are at risk of tenosynovitis in their wrists and limbs from repetitive scratching and cueing motions. Gigs lasting four to five hours also mean prolonged standing, which can lead to slouching, varicose veins, cardiovascular problems, joint compression, and muscle fatigue—issues that also affect bartenders and security staff.

In 2015, the World Health Organization launched the Make Listening Safe initiative for World Hearing Day. In 2022, it released a global standard for safe listening venues and events, after reviewing noise regulations for clubs, bars, concert venues, and sporting arenas.