For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Similar dangers can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. Outdated information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable 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 shifting as a result of several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with adequate ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also indicates 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 shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for people frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The primary aim is to move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is just an unavoidable 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 measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be considered “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.
