Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inevitable result of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy machinery 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 standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals 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 inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing due to several legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient 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.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing 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 get specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inescapable part 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 practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.