For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a crucial part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing 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 Outdated information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. 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 extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically led to a considerable number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are shifting due to several legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialty ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
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 primary objective is to move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is just an inescapable 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 expands and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable 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 continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.
