Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with noisy settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, often leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Outdated information is normally at the root of this misconception.
- 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 inadequate 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 professionals, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing because of legal precedents
Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing due to several legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case involving the Royal Opera House in London. The brass section was producing hazardously 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 needs 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 a crucial reminder of that. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus
It’s shocking how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing impairment and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to exceptionally loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialty hearing protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Cultivating a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about nurturing 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 unavoidable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is crucial for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.
