Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar dangers. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently 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. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, 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 an essential reminder of that. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very 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.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialized hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is crucial 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 continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
