For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s an essential part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable result of practicing their craft. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy settings. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically 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 inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise 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 declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
Every profession 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 forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Addressing 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 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.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, 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.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.