For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s an essential part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient 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 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 top priority.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialty 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 creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The main objective is to move away from the outdated 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, showcasing the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing screening.