For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a vital part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful mindset. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in sectors 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 gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that may 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 inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe 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 needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for people frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Here’s the good news, 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
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect 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 crucial 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.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
