Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar risks. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A significant number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. 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 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 effective hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize 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 shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
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.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The main objective is to move away from the outdated belief that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is crucial 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 safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.