Simple Techniques for Reducing Ear Fatigue While Mixing
As a mixing engineer, you know that getting the perfect sound requires countless hours of listening and tweaking. But all that time spent in front of your monitors can take a toll on your ears. Ear fatigue is a common issue among audio professionals, causing discomfort, reduced accuracy, and sometimes even temporary hearing loss. Luckily, there are simple techniques you can incorporate into your mixing routine to prevent and alleviate ear fatigue. In this article, we will explore some of these techniques and how they can benefit your overall mixing experience. 
Why Ear Fatigue Happens
First, it’s important to understand why we experience ear fatigue while mixing. Our ears are designed to handle a wide variety of sounds, but our brain can become overwhelmed when exposed to the same sounds for extended periods. This is particularly true when we are focused on small details, such as subtle EQ or compression adjustments. As a result, our hearing perception and sensitivity are affected, leading to ear fatigue.
The Importance of Taking Breaks
The first and most important technique for reducing ear fatigue is to take breaks. It might seem counterintuitive, but stepping away from your mixing session regularly is crucial to prevent ear fatigue. It allows your ears to rest and recover from the strain of extended listening, and it also gives your brain a break from processing sound. A good rule of thumb is to take a 10-15 minute break every hour, and it’s essential to step away from your work area during this time.
Reduce the Volume
Another reason for ear fatigue is listening at high volumes for prolonged periods. When we crank up the volume, our ears start to lose their sensitivity and accuracy, leading to ear fatigue and potentially damaging our hearing. To prevent this, try mixing at lower volumes and only increase it when necessary. As a guideline, you should be able to carry on a conversation without raising your voice while listening to your mix.
Switch Up Your Headphones and Monitors
While each set of headphones or monitors has its own unique sonic characteristics, they all share one thing in common – they can cause ear fatigue. Switching between different sets can provide a more balanced listening experience and help your ears rest. If possible, it’s also beneficial to switch between headphones and monitors. Some people find that headphones are more fatiguing than speakers, while others experience the opposite. By using both during your mixing sessions, you can give your ears a break and get a more accurate representation of your mix.
Use Noise-Cancellation Headphones
Noise-cancellation headphones are becoming increasingly popular in the audio industry, as they provide a more isolated listening experience. This can be beneficial for mixing as it blocks out any background noise, allowing you to focus solely on the audio. However, it’s essential to use these headphones sparingly, as extended use can cause ear fatigue due to the constant pressure on your ears.
Techniques for Mixing with Ear Fatigue
Even with preventative measures, it’s inevitable that you will experience ear fatigue at some point during a mixing session. In these instances, it’s crucial to have techniques in place to help combat it and get the most accurate mix possible.
Take Frequent Breaks
If you feel your ear fatigue creeping in, take a break, and step away from your session for 5-10 minutes. During this time, avoid any loud sounds, and give your ears a chance to rest. When you return, try to make some adjustments that you were unsure about before the break to see how they sound now.
Listen to Reference Tracks
Reference tracks are a great tool to use when mixing with ear fatigue. They provide a comparison for you to check your mix against and can help you keep your ears fresh by giving them a break from your own mix. Choose reference tracks that have similar characteristics to your song, such as instrumentation, genre, or mix style.
Listen from a Distance
It’s common for ear fatigue to occur more quickly when listening to loud sounds from up close. To combat this, try turning down the volume and stepping back from your monitors or headphones. By increasing the distance between you and the sound source, you will reduce the sound pressure on your ears, providing some relief from ear fatigue.
In Summary
Ear fatigue is a common issue among audio professionals, but it doesn’t have to hinder your mixing experience. By incorporating these simple techniques into your routine, you can prevent and alleviate ear fatigue while achieving more accurate mixes. Remember to take frequent breaks, listen at lower volumes, switch up your listening devices, and use reference tracks when needed. By taking care of your ears, you are ensuring a healthier and more productive mixing career.
