For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard 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 hinder 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 This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.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 cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A considerable number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused severe 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 adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible 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 settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
