For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a crucial part of their craft and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy settings. Similar dangers 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. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear 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 worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
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 significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety guidelines, 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 an essential reminder of that. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for people frequently exposed to loud settings, 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
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 goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated belief 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 safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.