Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard 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 muted. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often 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.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Mindsets are changing as a result of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for effective hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialty ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The primary aim is to move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is just an inevitable 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 measures to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
