For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s an essential part of their art and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inescapable feature of their profession. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud environments. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme 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 standards, 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree 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. The risk is especially acute for those frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialty ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated belief 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 safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices 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”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing test.