For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s an essential part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and unhealthy. 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 professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in industries 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 disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of 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 Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.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 typically foster an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It isn’t only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate 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 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 focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialty ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing exam.