For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a crucial part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This attitude, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be muted. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Important legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
Every industry that is overly loud, including the music industry, needs to have safety standards in place that require hearing protection, and this ruling is an essential reminder of that. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing screening.