Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable outcome of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving considerable changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with noisy environments. Similar risks can be found in sectors like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to using ear protection. A number of factors contribute to this disparity:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-integrated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians have a tendency to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is usually based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just grateful to be doing what they love. This culture of acceptance includes insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Important legal cases have begun to change 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 dangerously loud conditions which caused serious hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with sufficient ear protection. The viola player won the case and the court’s ruling stated that the music industry has to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
Every profession that is overly loud, including the music industry, needs to have safety standards in place that require hearing protection, and this ruling is an essential reminder of that. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some degree of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Luckily, 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 accessibility of effective hearing protection is no longer the issue; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The objective is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional regardless of what their job is.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can keep practicing their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.