For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s an essential part of their craft and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the belief that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar risks. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a common expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel as if 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 extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety standards, 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 a crucial reminder of that. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
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.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
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 idea that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures 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 regarded as “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing screening.
