For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.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 worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for people frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialty ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing screening.