Hearing is a vital 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 inevitable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate 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 professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing due to several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, 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 a crucial reminder of that. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on 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 alarmingly high. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely 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.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty 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; 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 antiquated notion that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive actions. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
