Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable outcome of practicing their craft. This attitude, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like 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 have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be muted. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may 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.
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.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely 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 an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialty hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. 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 case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive actions. 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 embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable asset, 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.