Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and art, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable result of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals 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 extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not 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 people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have begun to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to extremely 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 a particularly acute risk.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing screening.