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 inescapable element of their profession. This mindset, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both antiquated and unhealthy. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy environments. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much 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, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry mindsets with regard to 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 dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of 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 guidelines, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for effective hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Repeated tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about cultivating a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The primary objective is to move away from the antiquated belief 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, showcasing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
As awareness grows and protective practices 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 essential 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 safeguard their most valuable tool, 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.