Ear and Hearing Health in Piano Making
Piano makers face particular challenges regarding their ear and hearing health: On the one hand, they are exposed to high, potentially damaging sound levels while working with wood and metal. On the other hand, they rely on above-average hearing abilities when tuning and voicing pianos – activities that can also be hazardous to hearing.

This seminar addresses the specific aspects of sound exposure and hearing protection in piano making from a medical perspective. The latest measurement data on noise levels during various work steps will be presented and discussed, along with which protective measures are sensible, practical, and effective. In addition to traditional noise protection, other factors that can damage hearing will also be considered.

Finally, the seminar will cover the fundamentals of the auditory system, typical ear diseases, and strategies for early detection and prevention. The aim of the seminar is to provide practical and comprehensive recommendations on how to maintain hearing health in the long term during professional life.

Short Biography David Bächinger
Dr. med. Dr. Dr. David Bächinger holds a degree in both medicine and neurobiology from the University of Zurich. He is a board-certified otolaryngologist and currently works as a senior physician at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University Hospital Zurich. His clinical and research focus is on inner ear disorders.

As the lead author of a team of authors, he coined the term "Professional Ear User" in an article published in 2022. This term refers to professional groups such as musicians and instrument makers who rely on above-average auditory perception skills in their work and therefore have specific requirements for the prevention and treatment of ear disorders.

To promote hearing health, he collaborates closely with music academies—including the Zurich University of the Arts—and serves as a consultant and contact person for various institutions, including the Swiss Society for Musicians' Medicine (SwissMedMusica) and several orchestras, such as the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.



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