Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable feature of their profession. This mindset, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields 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 hearing protection and hard hats, is a must 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, often 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. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might 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.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are shifting due to numerous legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing 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.
Every profession 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The primary 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 safeguard 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 actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential 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 succeed in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.