For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable feature of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize 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 noisy settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar risks. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of 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 viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialty ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility 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 outdated idea that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness increases and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding 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.