Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
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 utilizing ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array 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 gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may 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.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to workplace safety guidelines, including 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 indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Repeated 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 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.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. It is essential 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 succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.