Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these fields have generally been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a common 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 concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs 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 pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 primary aim is to move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is just an inescapable 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 actions to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase 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 crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.