Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an unavoidable result of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and unhealthy frame of mind. Fortunately, recent legal developments and growing awareness are creating significant changes, challenging this harmful attitude and emphasizing the necessity of hearing protection.
Loud work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only career that comes with loud environments. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, these industries have typically been quicker to embrace protective measures compared to the music industry. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like hearing protection and hard hats, is a must because of 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 ear protection devices because they’re concerned that their sense of hearing will be muted. In spite of contrary evidence, there is a prevalent misconception that earplugs will muffle sound quality. This resistance is usually based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will typically accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful 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.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes road crews, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related problems.
Legal precedents and changing mindsets
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of 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 severe hearing damage to one viola player who wasn’t furnished 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 standards, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is excused from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize 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. Chronic tinnitus, permanent hearing damage, and hyperacusis caused by exposure to extremely loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are continuously exposed to loud sound this is a particularly acute risk.
Here’s the good news, musicians can now invest in specialized hearing protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
The accessibility of reliable hearing protection is no longer the problem; rather, it’s about fostering a cultural shift within the music and entertainment industries. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the antiquated belief that hearing loss is an unavoidable part of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, showcasing the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.
The prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive measures. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Safeguarding their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.
By adopting this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can protect their most valuable tool, their hearing, while continuing to excel in their craft.
Call us for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.