Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar risks. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A considerable number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow 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 an essential reminder of that. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main objective is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an inevitable 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.