Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This mindset, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, such as heavy machinery 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 common expectation.
- 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 prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, prompting 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 worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a considerable number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Important legal cases have begun to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of 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.
Every industry 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 forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main objective is to move away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence 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.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.