Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals 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 using ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Significant legal cases have begun to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused 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 shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialty hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.