Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
Every profession that is overly loud, including the music industry, needs to have safety standards in place that require hearing protection, and this ruling is a crucial reminder of that. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.