Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation 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 making use of ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing 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 This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes 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. A significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt 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 alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
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
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.