A viola player has won a landmark case against the Royal Opera House after it was found that he suffered life changing hearing loss after sitting in front of the brass section in a performance of Wagner's 'Die Walkure' in 2012.

In what is being seen as a landmark decision, with a judge scrutinising the music industry's legal obligations towards musicians' hearing, the case won by musician Chris Goldscheider could well have huge implications in the professional orchestral world and beyond.

Acoustic shock

The report by Clive Coleman, the BBC Legal Correspondent on today's BBC website (28th March) said that it this is the first time 'acoustic shock' has been recognised as a condition which can be compensated by a court.

In September 2012, Goldscheider was playing directly in front of the brass section for a rehearsal of Wagner's 'Die Walkure' in the orchestra pit at the Royal Opera House.

During that rehearsal, it was presented in court that the noise levels exceeded 130 decibels, roughly equivalent to that of a jet engine. His hearing was irreversibly damaged4BR

Jet engine

During that rehearsal, it was presented in court that the noise levels exceeded 130 decibels, roughly equivalent to that of a jet engine. His hearing was irreversibly damaged.

The Royal Opera House said it was "surprised and disappointed" by the judgement.

Many professional orchestras and professional music ensembles now employ acoustic shields as part of health and safety noise reduction requirements, whilst many professional and amateur players are increasingly use ear defenders.

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