For professional musicians, hearing isn’t just a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an inevitable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy frame of mind. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to loud noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. Protective equipment is a common expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It isn’t only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have begun to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus due to a lack of sufficient 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 also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud environments, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialty hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to find specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the outdated idea 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 measures.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. 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 asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing test.
