For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a crucial part of their craft and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an unavoidable feature of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mindset, 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 individuals experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing due to legal precedents
Significant legal cases have started to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely 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 invest in specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 main aim is to move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is just an unavoidable 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 measures to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive actions. 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 appropriate protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing exam.