A SUFFOLK hearing centre has teamed up with a top guitarist to ensure the message of musicians protecting their ears gets across loud and clear.

Russell Claydon

A SUFFOLK hearing centre has teamed up with a top guitarist to ensure the message of musicians protecting their ears gets across loud and clear.

Robbie Gladwell, of Steve Harley's Cockney Rebel band, had specialist hearing equipment fitted at Specsavers in Ipswich yesterday and hopes others will consider the importance of the protection.

Known in the industry as Dr Robert, the Sudbury-based musician has enjoyed an illustrious career that has seen him take to the stage with the likes of BB King, Suzi Quatro and Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour.

The hearing protectors, worth £160, are designed to protect musicians' without detracting from the clarity and quality of the music.

Mr Gladwell, a columnist for Guitarist magazine and who runs his own custom guitar workshop in Suffolk, said: “I've never really thought about the damage to my hearing the constant stream of music I am subjected to would have.

“When I had my hearing tested I was shocked to see the damage it has caused. With the new protectors I will be able to protect my hearing from further damage, whilst still enjoying the music.

Hearing Aid Audiologist, David Robertson said exposing ear drums to loud noise over a period of time without the noise-reducing filters can cause permanent damage.