Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still operate under the impression 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 This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind.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 changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other noisy industries also encounter similar dangers. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to using ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, such as heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a significant number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Attitudes are changing as a result of legal precedents
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are changing due to numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted 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 due to a lack of adequate 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 effective hearing protection. It’s also pushing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is especially acute for people frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Today it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inevitable part of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper 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.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing exam.