Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear 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 have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. 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 face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Mindsets are changing due to legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
Every industry 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
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing test.