Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy environments. Similar dangers can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main objective is to move away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is just an inevitable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
