What does the name Frank Benbini mean to you? Does it evoke images of an internationally renowned drummer and musician? Did you know that he is one third of the band Fun Lovin’ Criminals (best known for their hit “Scooby Snacks” which features samples from films by Quentin Tarantino, and the song “Love Unlimited” which recalls Barry White’s backing vocal group) or that he has just returned from a European Tour with UB40? No? Well, it’s all true, but wait! This is not a blog for the music industry, it is for Steven Hale Hearing, so what on earth has this professional musician’s pedigree got to do with audiology? The point of this story is that Frank recently broke his custom made in-ear monitors – crucial for all musicians – and needed some new ones, so called for an appointment and came to see us. In the end, he had a much-needed full MOT and service too! (The results were amazing!)
As with all of our clients, we listened to what Frank’s problem was – obviously the need for new moulds was high on his list – and then we chatted generally about the music industry, and how this can impact on your overall hearing health. Naturally open and avuncular, Frank quickly realised the benefits of having all his audio levels checked, and his ears examined, so we set to.
It soon became apparent that Frank’s ears were partially occluded (blocked) with wax. This meant that we would not be able to create a full and effective set of ear mould impressions for his much needed in-ear monitors, but, luckily, wax removal is part of our daily expertise, and Frank immediately understood the benefits of this fast and painless procedure, so agreed. You will see below the genuine ‘before and after’ pictures of Frank’s ear canals which show quite clearly, how successful our microsuction is – and the obvious and rapid results. (It always surprises me how many clients initially say they don’t want to see these photos, but, because there is nothing grisly about them, just good, informative images, they often change their minds!).
Once his canals were clear, we began working on making the new moulds for Frank’s monitors. In order to ensure maximum accuracy, during the process we insert a soft pad into the client’s mouth. This keeps the canal as clear and open as possible – you might have had a similar experience of yawning or stretching your jaw to make your ears ‘pop’ on a flight – so that we can squirt the mould material into the ear canal and all the way out to the external pinna to form a complete impression of the ear. This is completely painless and takes just a few moments, as does the setting procedure for the new Cosmic Ear Moulds. Whilst we waited for this to happen, and bearing in mind the fact that Frank’s wife had told us he has “…selective hearing…”, we conducted a full audio examination of Frank’s hearing. Having spent years around excessive noise we expected to find some loss or natural wastage to his functions, but it seems Frank is blessed with brilliant hearing – or looks after it very well! Franks’ hearing was perfect! Not “perfect for a 50-year-old”, but actually pretty perfect for a 21 year old! No tinnitus. No hearing loss. No further treatment required. This is, without doubt, testimony to him investing in dual purpose in-ear monitors, which allow him not only to hear his fellow musicians, but also afford his ears some protection from what would otherwise be inevitable noise damage. Good move Frank! He told us that he has his own mixer next to his drum kit on stage and is able to control the sound he hears when on stage – having it as low as possible has reaped great rewards in this instance!
In summary
Our hearing can be affected by many factors, including sustained exposure to loud or repetitive noise. Frank has been able to stave off any damage by ensuring he uses in-ear monitors which are created from expertly build ear moulds. Basically, these have enabled complete ‘damage aversion’ in Frank’s case, and their benefits should not be undermined.
In closing, Frank was thrilled with the service and consultation he received and said his “…100 mile round trip was well worth it…!” I would say “Frank is a top man and it was a pure pleasure to have been able to help him. We now feel a part of us will be on stage with him!” (Steven Hale)
