Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inescapable feature of their profession. This mindset, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy settings. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment 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. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate 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. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a substantial number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
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. 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 viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes 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 prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is an inevitable 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 increases and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential 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 keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
