Loss and Piano Tuning ( was: hearing etc.)

[A440A at aol.com]

Robert writes: 
<< Thanks a lot for your comments Andrew. I will defintely look into getting 
ear plugs. Not only do I want to prevent any damage to my ears as a result of 
tuning pianos, but I don't want my hearing to be degraded as a musician either 
since I play piano recitals and attend lots of concerts.  >>

Greetings, 
       It is interesting that we, as tuner/techs, worry so much about our 
hearing.  I don't think I have ever met someone that had to leave the business 
because of hearing problems.  

HOWEVER !,  I have spoken to numerous techs and former techs that had to 
leave the tuning and rebuilding business because of joint problems, repetitive 
stress problems, tendonitis, carpal tunnel problems, etc.  and I have heard very, 
very, little about protecting against these things.  
     Worry about our hearing is misplaced if we ignore the mechanical dangers 
of our work.  I would suggest that a better expense than custom ear plugs 
would be a yoga course, or a physical trainer or therapist that could diagnose 
our posture, ergonomic habits, and flexibility capacity.  That is where the more 
likely danger will be addressed. 
Regards,  

Ed Foote RPT 
http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html