Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not only a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This is both an outdated and harmful mindset. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful 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.
It’s not 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. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have begun to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. 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 sufficient protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry needs 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 reliable hearing protection. 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 caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. 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 protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 main objective is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an inevitable 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 measures to protect hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.