Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and harmful mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt 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 equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
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. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals 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 shockingly high. Repeated tinnitus, permanent 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 environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.