GAVIN Webb has certainly given his eardrums a good bashing in his 31 years behind a kit.
For the 42-year-old, pounding out a rhythm has been a way of life. He once played for a living and provided a beat for the likes of Essex band Dr Feelgood.
It was a chance internet reunion with his one-time drumming instructor, Martin Clapson, that led to the creation of Drum Box Studios, a drum school for anyone above the age of seven.
For the past decade he has been mentoring local bands and looking after their business affairs, but a life around sound has taken its toll and now about 35 per cent of his hearing is provided by a pair of £5,000 aids.
On average, drumming can generate between 100-130 decibels (without protection), which exceeds the 90 dB workplace limit set by EU regulations, above which protection must be worn.
His business partner, Mr Clapson, 49, from Billericay, has himself been a drummer for 40 years.
He has played with Take That, Suzi Quatro, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, and even taught Robbie Williams how to hold the sticks.
At Drum Box, based off the A414 in Leys Farm, near Ongar, their mission is clear.
They want to offer first-rate drumming tuition and place a strong emphasis on hearing protection by providing advice and high-tech ear plugs to their pupils.
"People must be made aware of the damage that loud music can do to your ears and take steps to protect your ears," said Mr Webb, who lives in Blackmore.
"This will be included in part of our teaching programmes."
He added: "I was hard of hearing as a child so my hearing loss is not all due to playing drums. However, it is a fact that this has not helped as I never used hearing protection, likewise I know many musicians do not.
"My hearing prevented me from having a full career within the studio environment as an engineer, which is why I turned to business management, which still allows me to enjoy and be a part of the music industry."
Mr Webb also runs Catman Boogie, which develops and "takes care of business" for music acts, and has a recording studio next door to Drum Box.
The purpose-built Drum Box studio boasts a range of modern kits, including a three-quarter size set for children and technology for students to record lessons. They also provide drum tracks for musicians to use remotely.
For more information visit www.drumboxstudios.co.uk
