Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue 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.
Mindsets are changing as a result of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning 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 must follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
Every profession 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’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The primary aim is to move away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is just an inescapable 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.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.