Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not only a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
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 typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically 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 as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Significant legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, 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 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 alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for people frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive steps. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate 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 are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing test.