For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the belief that hearing loss is an unavoidable feature of their profession. This attitude, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar risks. However, the music industry has been a lot 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 range of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. Protective gear is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It isn’t 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 substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused major 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 follow workplace safety standards, including 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 signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialized hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness increases and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.