Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy frame of mind.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.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have generally been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.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 protest. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t 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 led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused serious 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 needs to adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt 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 focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
Today it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing 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”. 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.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.