Hearing is a vital 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 inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar risks. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- 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 depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate 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 inadequate 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 road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of sufficient protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes 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 also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is just an unavoidable 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 actions 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 continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Call us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.