The CIM Associate Dean for Student Affairs coordinates general health issues with the Institute's partners at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Health Services and CWRU Behavioral Health Services. See below for further information on the student health program or health and wellness resources from Case and other nearby providers.
In addition, CIM maintains staffing of counseling hours on the CIM premises by having Psychologists available to provide both individual and group therapies to CIM students. These trained specialists also provide additional programming through our residence life program to new undergraduate students on issues facing students in the arts including special discussions on issues such as performance anxiety.
The Institute is able to access information from the Musicians Clinic housed at the Cleveland Clinic to provide professional health information as issues arise particular to music students. CIM also provides information and resources for maintaining proper Hearing, Vocal, and Musculoskeletal health.
CIM provides NRR33 (soft foam) earplugs for use by any musicians. These are available prior to any rehearsal or concert and may be picked up by the Ensemble Manager or the student manager on duty. In addition, CIM has negotiated a special rate for high fidelity earplugs with Great Lakes Earmold. If you wish to order these specialty plugs, you should speak with Mr. Jim Kuznar at 1(800) 842-8184. The cost of these musicians plugs is $85.00, and CIM recommends students purchase the level 15 dB valve attenuation.
Regular use of high-fidelity earplugs while practicing, performing and listening to music may protect you from the cumulative effects of overexposure to loud sounds. It is believed that regular sustained exposure to sounds in the 90-95 dB (decibel) range may cause permanent damage. The following chart provides some information on average decibel ranges for certain musical sounds.
Musical Noise
Decibels
normal piano practice
60-70 dB
fortissimo singer 3 ft. away
70 dB
chamber music in small auditorium
75-85 dB
regular sustained exposure may cause permanent damage
90-95 dB
piano fortissimo
92-95 dB
violin
84-103 dB
cello
82-92 dB
oboe
90-94 dB
flute
85-111 dB
piccolo
95-112 dB
clarinet
92-103 dB
french horn
90-106 dB
trombone
85-114 dB
timpani & bass drum rolls
106 dB
Average personal listening device on 5/10 setting
94 dB
symphonic music peak
120-137 dB
amplified rock music at 4-6 ft.
120 dB
rock music peak
150 dB
Statistics for the Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart were taken from a study by Marshall Chasin , M.Sc., Aud(C), FAAA, Centre for Human Performance & Health, Ontario, Canada.
The Cleveland Institute of Music provides general information on health issues to students through various orientation programs, Residence Life programs, and special topic seminars/workshops offered to students. Some of these workshops have focused on health topics including: Feldenkrais Method, Body Mapping, Yoga, Meditation, Alexander Technique, ProformaVision and BioFeedback, and others.
All medical treatment required by an individual is managed through professional medical providers.
Student Workers: Health & Safety Training
The Cleveland Institute of Music maintains a thorough departmental training program for students who may be employed to work in Student Work Study positions. In particular, students in the Library, Mail Room, Recording Services, Distance Learning Services, Concert Hall Stage Managers, Set-up Crew, and the stage crew for opera productions are all given instructions in proper use of materials and equipment. In addition students in specific majors who are required to use potentially dangerous equipment are all given instruction in the operation of said equipment, an example of which is harp and percussion majors being shown the proper use of the freight elevator.
CIM also makes available to all students (particularly those in orchestra) earplugs as a means of lessening the aural impact during orchestra rehearsals. Only students trained in the process for moving equipment are allowed to move said equipment.
Developing Balance: The Mind-Body Connection
Student wellness is essential for health, relationships performance and academics. At the Cleveland Institute of Music, and through its shared programming with Case Western Reserve University, students are encouraged to learn more about wellness and the mind-body connection, and to develop a personalized, life-long wellness plan.
Definition of Wellness
The National Wellness Institute uses this definition: The term wellness has been applied in many ways. Although there might be different views on what wellness encompasses, the National Wellness Institute - along with the help of leaders in health and wellness - shared many interpretations and models of wellness. Through this discussion, there appears to be general agreement that:
Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential
Wellness is multi-dimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment
Wellness is positive and affirming
The definition of wellness, long used by the National Wellness Institute is consistent with these tenets. Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.
Physical Wellness (including Hearing, Vocal, and musculoskeletal health) encourages regular physical activities, good nutrition, sleep and occasional connections with healthcare providers to prevent illness and disease. It discourages harmful behaviors that include tobacco, excessive alcohol, non-prescription medications and other drugs. It also encourages the use of preventive care, such as earplugs.
CIM provides NRR33 (soft foam) earplugs for use by any musicians. These are available prior to any rehearsal or concert and may be picked up by the Ensemble Manager or the student manager on duty. In addition, CIM has negotiated a special rate for high fidelity earplugs with Great Lakes Earmold. If you wish to order these specialty plugs, you should speak with Mr. Jim Kuznar at 1(800) 842-8184. The cost of these musicians plugs is $85.00, and CIM recommends students purchase the level 15 dB valve attenuation.
Regular use of high-fidelity earplugs while practicing, performing and listening to music may protect you from the cumulative effects of overexposure to loud sounds. It is believed that regular sustained exposure to sounds in the 90-95 dB (decibel) range may cause permanent damage. The following chart provides some information on average decibel ranges for certain musical sounds.
Musical Noise
Decibels
normal piano practice
60-70 dB
fortissimo singer 3 ft. away
70 dB
chamber music in small auditorium
75-85 dB
regular sustained exposure may cause permanent damage
90-95 dB
piano fortissimo
92-95 dB
violin
84-103 dB
cello
82-92 dB
oboe
90-94 dB
flute
85-111 dB
piccolo
95-112 dB
clarinet
92-103 dB
french horn
90-106 dB
trombone
85-114 dB
timpani & bass drum rolls
106 dB
Average personal listening device on 5/10 setting
94 dB
symphonic music peak
120-137 dB
amplified rock music at 4-6 ft.
120 dB
rock music peak
150 dB
Statistics for the Decibel (Loudness) Comparison Chart were taken from a study by Marshall Chasin , M.Sc., Aud(C), FAAA, Centre for Human Performance & Health, Ontario, Canada.
Emotional Wellness is having the ability to understand, acknowledge and accept a wide range of feelings in oneself and in others. It includes the ability to balance reason and emotion and it leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.
Occupational Wellness includes making positive career-life choices that lead to personal fulfillment and satisfaction in life.
Intellectual Wellness includes being open to new ideas and the desire to learn from challenges and experiences. It encourages ongoing intellectual growth, curiosity and creativity.
Social Wellness involves developing friendships, healthy sexual behaviors and meaningful social networks.
Spiritual Wellness is the willingness to seek meaning and purpose in human existence; being open and respectful of the diverse multi-cultural beliefs and backgrounds of others and building a set of guiding values and principles.
Student Health Program
The Cleveland Institute of Music recognizes an obligation to assure the physical and mental well-being of its students. All full-time students participate in the Case Student Health Program, which includes care provided by the University Health Service and coverage under the Case Medical Plan. All students who have paid the Health Service Fee are eligible to make use of the services offered within the Health Service.
Same day appointments are available for acute illness; the earlier in the day a student calls, the easier it is to arrange an appointment time. Students who have established a relationship with a primary care practitioner will also have access to that practitioner via e-mail. In some cases, it is possible to refill a prescription, for instance, without the student needing to be seen immediately.
Emergency assistance is available on nights and weekends during the regular school year by calling 216.368-2450. The answering service will reach the nurse on call or the physician on call, who can then assist with the emergency.
Students with life-threatening emergencies should, of course, go immediately to the nearest emergency room and inform UHS (as soon as it is possible). All registered students at CIM, regardless of what insurance they use, are eligible for care at the Health Service and the on-call Emergency Service during the regular school year (Fall and Spring semesters). There is a small, one-time fee charged for students wishing to use the Health Service during the summer. If students have the Student Medical Plan as their insurance, this fee will be covered by the Plan.
All services and records of the Health Service are confidential and may not be released to anyone without the signed written informed consent of the student.
Many specialized resources are available in the Cleveland area. If your teacher suggests such treatment, please contact the CIM Office of Student Affairs and/or UHS for assistance.
Medical information from a student's records is available only to members of the UHS staff and may be released only with written consent of the student. UHS does not disclose any nonpublic personal information about students or former students to anyone, except as permitted by Ohio law.
UHS cannot disclose medical information to parents, professors, deans, future employers, or any other interested parties without a written Release of Information signed by the student.
An allergy clinic is available so that students receiving allergy shots may continue to do so while at CIM. The student wishing to do this will need to provide bottles of antigenic extract, as well as information from the treating physician regarding administration of the extract. Nutrition information/advice is available for students wishing to lose weight or follow a special diet.
Services not provided at the Health Service itself (laboratory tests, x-rays, consultations, etc.) are often provided at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Students will be billed for any such outside services they receive and then must submit those bills for reimbursement from either the Student Medical Plan or another health insurance plan. Further information about submitting bills for the Student Medical Plan is available within the Health Service.
All new full-time students should fill out an Immunization History. This is particularly important for CIM students who may be traveling internationally. A copy of this history should be kept with the passport.
Ohio Revised Code Section 1713.55 requires all students living in on-campus housing to submit a statement on their vaccination status for meningitis and hepatitis B before they can live on campus. (Students need not be vaccinated to comply with this Ohio law. They simply must be informed that the vaccines are available, though they may be declined, if desired.) More information about the vaccines can be found on the Health Service website.
In addition, UHS requests that all students provide an Emergency Notification form. Students who have specific medical information they would like to disclose to UHS may do so on this form. Both of these forms should be available directly from CIM. Additionally, all of these forms should be available from the Case Student Affairs web site.
The Student Medical Plan provides coverage, within the benefit guidelines, for medical services provided outside the Health Service. This includes such things as laboratory tests, x-rays, emergency room treatment, and hospitalization.
The University Health Service does not provide dental services or prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, but will make referrals when needed.
The Dental Clinic of the School of Dentistry is available for routine care, and the Emergency Dental Clinic will provide immediate service as necessary.
The Case Medical Plan excludes coverage for expenses incurred for corrective lenses and eye examinations. The Plan does offer coverage for dental care that is provided by the Case School of Dentistry, and does cover injuries to sound natural teeth within the stated policy guidelines.
Dependents (spouses and children) of full-time students are not eligible for care at the Health Service. However, elective medical coverage information is available.
The CIM Office of Student Affairs coordinates a variety of counseling services. Assistance is available for personal, academic, and career matters.
CIM offers counseling to international students and assists them in making adjustments to campus life. The Case Office of International Student Services is also a supplementary resource for CIM international students requiring assistance with nonacademic concerns.
Students can log in to access placement assistance offered to graduating students, including an inventory of currently available job openings and by advising in such matters as résumé preparation, employment correspondence, and audition and tape recording preparation. Additionally, a placement credential forwarding service is available.
Tutoring is available to students who need assistance in music theory, sightsinging, and eartraining subjects. Case also provides assistance in certain liberal arts areas.
