Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inescapable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important the use of hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevalent 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 This resistance is typically based on outdated information.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 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 includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a considerable number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Important legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating hazardously loud conditions which caused severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many musicians suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now get specialty hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated idea that hearing loss is just an inevitable 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 safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.