Hearing is a basic tool for musicians, but it is fragile and at risk of damage.

However, noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable.

Protect your hearing and prolong your career with audiological assessments and custom-made hearing protection via the Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme from Help Musicians. The scheme aims to make hearing protection an affordable and essential part of a musician’s toolkit.

As an ISM member, you can now access a 25% discount on the scheme, subsidised by the ISM Members Fund.

How much does it cost?

For a one-off payment of £37.50, you can access:

• an audiological assessment and check-up from a specialist in musicians’ hearing (worth up to £100)
• a set of custom-made, ACS Pro Series plugs (worth £149)
• expert advice on referral routes and next steps to manage any problems
• option of wax removal, if necessary, at a subsidised rate of £50

Who is eligible?

All ISM full and early career members are eligible for the scheme.

ISM student members are only eligible if you can demonstrate on the application form that you earn the majority of your income through music. Discover alternative discounted offers if you are a student who does not earn the majority of your income through music.

If you have already been through the scheme, you will not be eligible to go through it a second time with the discount.

How do I access the scheme?

1. Fill out the application form on Help Musicians' website, confirming that you are an ISM member. When asked to select your primary occupation in music, you should select the most relevant category to your work. You will also be asked to provide four links showing evidence of your work and/​or your career. This could include links to your website, ISM Music Directory profile, digital CV such as LinkedIn, social media profiles, SoundCloud, YouTube, reviews of your work etc. If you do not have any of these links, you can include the ISM website instead.
2. Your eligibility for the scheme will be verified.
3. If you are eligible, you will be contacted by Musicians' Hearing Services within three weeks, and offered an appointment.
4. Book your appointment with Musicians' Hearing Services and make payment.
5. Attend your audiology appointment, where you will be given a full hearing assessment and impressions will be taken of your ears. You will also receive advice on ear care and hearing protection.
6. From your appointment date, your custom-made earplugs will be ready within 15 working days. They can be posted to your address at a cost of £4, or you can collect them for free from Musicians' Hearing Services London or Manchester clinics.

Where will my appointment be?

Musicians' Hearing Services hold clinics in locations around the UK, including those listed below.