For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a critical part of their craft and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential due to 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 depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A significant number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Significant legal cases have started to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, 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 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
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for people frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Developing 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 belief that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness increases 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 “inescapable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.