Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often 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 insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry mindsets with regard to 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 due to a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
Every industry 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 forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about fostering 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 inevitable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing exam.