Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have generally been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People 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 concerns about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
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 significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Significant legal cases have begun to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels 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 needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes 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 top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The main objective is to move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.