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 mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like 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 tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- 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 thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of 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 industry 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 indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today 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 antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an unavoidable 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.