Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This attitude, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often 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 insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter 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 problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Significant legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided 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.
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 focus on 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 alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The primary objective is to move away from the antiquated belief 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
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”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.