For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s an essential part of their art and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
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 fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields 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 ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear 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. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
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 substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, including 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 indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the prevalence 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 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 protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.