For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a critical part of their craft and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the impression that hearing loss is an inevitable feature of their profession. This attitude, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting 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 inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to workplace safety standards, including 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 also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
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 get specialized hearing protection. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.