Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and craft, not only a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety gear, like ear protection and hard hats, is a must due to dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective gear a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. This culture of acceptance extends to insufficient hearing protection, with many fearing that raising concerns could jeopardize their career opportunities.
The impact of this “part of the job” mindset goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, who also face hearing risks. This collective complacency has historically resulted in a considerable number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Important legal cases have begun to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered major 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 needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, including 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 a crucial reminder of that. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a top priority.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to extremely loud noises, can result in 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.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialized hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the issue; instead, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The primary objective is to move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. 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. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. It is essential 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.
Contact us for a consultation if you are in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.