For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable result of practicing their craft. This attitude, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, 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.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted 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 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 follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. 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
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for those frequently exposed to loud environments, 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 protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main objective is to move away from the outdated idea 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, emphasizing 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 decline. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.