Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.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. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate 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” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry mindsets 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. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused serious 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 must 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 address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialized ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive steps. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable 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 tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing exam.