For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a crucial part of their art and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful mindset. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to using ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing due to legal precedents
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused serious 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 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 focal point.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly 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 those frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable 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 protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
