For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a crucial part of their craft and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the impression that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy settings. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.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 thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a considerable number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously 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 standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Repeated tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated belief 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable 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 continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.
