Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still operate under the impression that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating considerable changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work environments
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud settings. Similar dangers can be found in industries 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 range of hazards, like heavy equipment and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. Outdated information is usually at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. This culture of acceptance extends to inadequate 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 workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry mindsets regarding hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling declared that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for effective hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly 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 compromising sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
The availability of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to protect hearing.
As awareness grows and protective practices become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inevitable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the proper safety steps is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.