For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a critical part of their art and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inescapable element of their profession. This attitude, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating considerable changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- 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 prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.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 extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mindset goes 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 significant number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have begun to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate 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 crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize 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. Repeated tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary 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 nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The main 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows 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 “unavoidable part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing screening.