Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy environments. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar risks. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to using ear protection. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- 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 like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It isn’t only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Significant legal cases have begun to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided 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.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating 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 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, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive actions. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
