Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with noisy environments. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. 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” mentality goes 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 substantial number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
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 highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with adequate 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 industry, 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.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
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.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays 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 antiquated idea 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 preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing test.