For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating considerable changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar risks. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective equipment a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A considerable number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Important legal cases have started to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for effective hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for people frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
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 objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. 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 decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
