Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and art, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.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. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are shifting due to numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving 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 because of a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, including 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 signals 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. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very 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.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today 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 outdated belief that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.