Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not just a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an unavoidable feature of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to using ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient 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 road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted 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 extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes 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 an essential reminder of that. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly 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 a particularly acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialized hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.