For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a critical part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud environments. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. A number of factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful 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” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Important legal cases have begun to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was producing dangerously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry needs to follow workplace safety standards, and that includes 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 a crucial reminder of that. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is especially acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The availability of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive steps.
As awareness grows and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
