For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a vital part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not 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. A significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for effective hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated 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 actions to safeguard hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.