Emily F. OB 18

Emily F. OB 18: Hearing is a delicate sense that needs to be protected, especially for singers and voice teachers. "The action of the ear in response to sound and the mechanics of producing a sound are two distinct processes." It's important to know the difference, particularly for learning how to sing high notes. High notes just don't need to be sung as loud as lower notes because higher sounds are heard more easily. And fortunately, the body has a defense against these high sounds, the tensor tympani, which will decrease the mobility of the tympanic membrane so that sopranos can sing high notes without damaging their hearing too much. Singers should trust the sensation of a well-produced and released high note rather than the sound they think it makes. "It is better to change muscular adjustments than to use more energy to sing higher notes." Some people have difficulty hearing pitch accurately and can be diagnosed and treated, if necessary. 
Key concept: Protect hearing and trust the body rather than the sound when singing. 
Key terms: tensor tympani, ear muscle fatigue, diplacusis
Making connections: Understanding how pitch is heard is very freeing. I've always felt I needed to sing high notes loudly, but it's nice to know I can just trust what feels right when I sing without pushing those high notes.
I probably have way too much noise in my life. I imagine most musicians like to listen to music all the time like I do, but having constant sound going on in my car and house is probably taxing to my hearing. 
I may have already written about this, but I think my husband might have diplacusis. He's always had a really hard time matching pitch, and doesn't hear differentiation in pitch, particularly in women's ranges. He also can't hear parallel harmonies. It's not anything he feels like he's missing out on, but I feel sad for him! Fortunately, I suppose, he's not a musician or invested in music other than supporting my efforts.