Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inevitable consequence of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated 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 prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often 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.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a considerable number of individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to 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 pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud environments, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
As awareness increases and protective practices become standard, the incidence 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”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.