Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar dangers. 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: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a common 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. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is usually at the base of this misconception.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 might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe 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 must follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for effective hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic 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.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
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 aim is to move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.