Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar risks. However, these industries have generally been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as 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 rely on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Significant legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, 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 an essential reminder of that. It also indicates 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 alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for people frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
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 a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea 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 preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is crucial for every professional no matter 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 worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.