For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a vital part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable result of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Outdated information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- 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 grateful to be doing what they love. 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 isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Mindsets are changing due to legal precedents
Important legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased 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 adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for effective hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating 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 objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
As awareness grows and protective strategies 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”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.
