Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the belief that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy environments. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be muted. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may 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.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of individuals experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Important legal cases have begun 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 dangerously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear 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 also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing screening.