Hearing is a vital 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 unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud settings. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar risks. However, these fields have generally been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- 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 tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels 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 guidelines, 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 a crucial reminder of that. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialized ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 primary objective is to move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth 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 proper safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.