Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an unavoidable element of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful mindset. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to using ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment 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 rely on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that may 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, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a considerable number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs 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 a crucial reminder of that. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective 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, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.