Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy frame of mind. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with noisy settings. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. 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 prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
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 led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Mindsets are changing due to legal precedents
Important legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, 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.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
