Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. Outdated information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Significant legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes 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 focal point.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The primary objective is to move away from the outdated notion 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, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.
