I introduced a 38-inch Gong to my Savasana. I hit it loudly to create a “crescendo.” A student near the gong claimed she suffered permanent tinnitus (ringing in ears) and hyperacusis. She is suing for medical bills and hearing aids.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Practice: Is playing a gong “Yoga”? Or is it “Sound Therapy”? If your policy only covers “Yoga Instruction,” this might be excluded.
- Bodily Injury includes Hearing: Damage to the ear drum is a bodily injury.
- Product Liability: Is the gong defective? Or was it your technique? (Professional Liability).
- Decibel Levels: Did you exceed safe OSHA limits (85dB)? Negligence.
The “Why”: The Modality Drift
The Trap:
You buy yoga insurance. You start playing crystal bowls and gongs.
The insurer says: “We insure you for Down Dog, not for acoustic blast trauma.”
You need to ensure “Sound Healing” or “Sound Bath” is listed as a covered modality on your certificate.
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. ABMP
- My Analysis: They cover Sound Healing explicitly as a bodywork modality. Safer bet than a standard yoga policy.
2. Specialty Music Insurance
- My Analysis: If you are a full-time Sound Healer, you might need “Musician’s Liability.” But for a yoga teacher, this is overkill.
3. beYogi
- My Analysis: They cover “Sound Therapy” as an included modality. I verified this with an agent.
[IMAGE: Decibel chart showing “Gong” vs “Safe Limit”]
Comparison Table: Sound Coverage
| Carrier | Sound Healing Included? | Decibel Limit? | Cost |
| beYogi | Yes | No | Included |
| ABMP | Yes | No | |
| Standard | NO | N/A | Risk |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Modalities: Log in and check if “Sound Healing” is listed.
- Distance: Keep gongs at least 5 feet from heads.
- Volume Check: Download a Decibel Meter app on your phone. Keep it under 80dB.
- Warning: Tell students “This will get loud. Cover ears if sensitive.”
FAQ
Are Crystal Bowls covered?
Yes, same category.
What if the mallet flies out of my hand?
General Liability (Bodily Injury).
Do I need a Sound Healing certification?
Insurance usually requires “Certificate of Completion” for any modality you practice.