Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This attitude, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. 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 professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing due to several legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with adequate ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for effective hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing 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 main objective is to move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is just an inevitable 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 measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, 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 protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.