Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar dangers. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. 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.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Important legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for individuals 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 compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable 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 expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing test.