Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of their profession. This attitude, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated 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.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of 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 like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
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 resulted in a substantial number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
Every profession 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’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
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely 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.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive steps. 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 appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.