Violin Forum/Message Board

Ode to Tragedy · Member Joined: 17 Feb 2011 Posts: 121

I only noticed this recently since I've been getting a better tone when playing my notes.

It feels like the note has 'grabbed' the inside of my left ear and is 'shaking' it around.

This is rather uncomfortable and a little disheartening since after doing some research I see that there is quite alot of concern for hearing lose induced by the violin.

I used to DJ and wanting to get back into music again I initially thought of DJing then after a good deal of deliberation decided long term the violin (of many reasons) would be better since it is alot fairer and softer so won't damage my ears.

On a cursory look at the stats people give for the noise level of the violin they are saying the dbs are weighing in at the same level that Djing a live set would be! between 90-110 dbs at it's peak.

This is especially concerning since the violin's peak noise is ratcheted RIGHT next to the ear. So in a sense that is like putting your ear RIGHT next to the speaker when it's blaring away.

Like I said rather than JUST paranoia it does feel rather uncomfortable in my left ear on the strong notes.

Reading more I see the two main options seem to be- a mute for the violin or earplug/s for the left/both ear/s.

Looking on youtube examples the mute seemed to muffle the sound somewhat...is this the case or does it not hinder the sound for those who have used it?

I'd prefer use something to lower the sound of the violin without ruining the sound rather than an earplug I think just for preference. I already have earplugs and put one in the left while playing yesterday and it helped obviously but I am still exploring my options since I am in it for the long haul I want to start as I mean to go on, especially as my practice sessions increase in duration.

Lemuel · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 10:55 pm Post subject:

Ode,

Which notes and strings are you noticing it most on?

Ode to Tragedy · Member Joined: 17 Feb 2011 Posts: 121

Yes, I was going to note since playing more that I find it only really happens on the E string playing 3rd or 4th finger so not much of an issue I guess.

Lemuel · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:34 pm Post subject:

Yes, Ode,

The E string affects my ear the most as well. Having measles with serious ear infection when I was young also complicates matters a bit.... but you get used to it.

Jack Rushing · Member Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 170

Wax build-up in the ear can cause this. Have a Doctor check it out.
I have to go about twice a year to have mine removed. Especially
the left ear. If un-attended, it will impact the eardrum and have to
be removed with a small pick. A very unpleasant experience for sure.
Over the counter wax removal kits are not much good for this.