For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a crucial part of their craft and livelihood. 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 detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar risks. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re concerned 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 Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.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 may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes 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. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Important legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now get specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 idea that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial 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 safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing exam.