Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and craft, not just a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in loud work environments
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar risks. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to using ear protection. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is essential because of dangers like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective gear is a standard expectation that is well-incorporated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians tend to shun hearing protection devices because they’re worried that their sense of hearing will be dulled. There’s a common misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, despite evidence to the contrary. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel privileged just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The effect of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, 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 attitudes
Significant legal cases have started to shift industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. The brass section was creating dangerously loud conditions which caused major hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t provided with adequate ear protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety guidelines, including 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.
Addressing acoustic shock and tinnitus
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to extremely loud noises, can result in persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for those frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Fortunately, modern hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without compromising sound quality.
Developing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Today it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and move away from the antiquated notion that hearing loss is an inevitable aspect of the profession. The case of the Royal Opera House underscores the need to protect 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 steps. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “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.
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 worried about your hearing health, give us a call to schedule a hearing test.
