Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not only a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable feature of their profession. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading 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 insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue 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 as a result of legal precedents
Significant legal cases have begun to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning 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 adequate ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs 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 also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
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 exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an inevitable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.