For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s an essential part of their art and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating substantial changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar risks can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. 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 equipment and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a widespread misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
Every profession 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’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Luckily, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard 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 goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is an unavoidable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
