For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a crucial part of their art and livelihood. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the notion that hearing loss is an inescapable element of their profession. This is both an antiquated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work conditions
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with noisy environments. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also face similar dangers. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically foster an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance includes inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry attitudes toward hearing protection. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was creating hazardously 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 follow workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to deal with 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 exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialized ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The main aim is to move away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety steps is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable instrument, their hearing.
Contact us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.