Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the impression that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of their profession. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. The good thing is, recent legal developments and growing awareness are driving significant changes, challenging this detrimental attitude and emphasizing the importance of hearing protection.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these fields have typically been quicker to adopt protective measures compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- 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. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a standard expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often 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 insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
It’s not 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 issues due to this collective complacency.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are changing due to several legal cases. A landmark case involving 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 major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for people frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialty earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising 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 main aim is to move away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is just an unavoidable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decline with the increase of awareness and proactive measures. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial for every professional no matter what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.
