Music teachers told to wear ear plugs
Health and safety bosses have warned school music teachers they should wear ear muffs and other hearing protection when 'listening' to students play.
They claim that just 15 minutes of a student blasting out a tune could damage their hearing because beginners play louder than professionals.
The Health and Safety Executive website also suggests teachers stand behind noise screens and avoid playing along themselves to reduce overall noise.
It is even suggested that special devices are fitted to instruments so they don't make ANY sound.
What's next ... are PE teachers going to be told to sit children down in front of Sky Sports rather than go outside because someone might fall over?
On the site music teachers are told to limit their exposure to prolonged noise of 80 decibels or more, this is just 15 minutes of a saxophone lesson and 19 minutes with a brass and woodwind orchestra.
They can however listen to a violin beginner scratching away at the strings for up to 5 hours, lucky them.
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