For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable feature of their profession. This mindset, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- 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 equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated 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 This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful 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 insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not 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 significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety guidelines, 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. 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.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential 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 protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.