Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. 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 leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often 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 as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. 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 shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main objective is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an inevitable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “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 tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.