Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This attitude, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. 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. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel lucky 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 worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue 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.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Important legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear 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 an essential reminder of that. It also indicates 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 level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to 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 get specialty ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The main objective is to move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is just an inescapable 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.
As awareness increases 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 “inescapable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing exam.