Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not only a mere sense. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an inescapable element of their profession. This frame of mind, which views hearing damage as an unavoidable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work environments and hearing safety
Musicians aren’t the only workers exposed to high noise levels. Occupations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also face similar risks. However, these fields have typically been quicker to embrace protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: Safety equipment, like ear protection and hard hats, is essential because of hazards like falling objects and dangerous heavy machinery. Protective equipment is a standard expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. Despite contrary evidence, there is a prevailing misconception that earplugs will mute sound quality. This resistance is typically based on out-of-date information.
- Cultural Norms: The arts often cultivate an environment where professionals feel lucky just to have a job, leading them to accept suboptimal conditions without objection. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential worries about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality goes beyond musicians to other music industry workers, such as sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. This collective complacency has historically led to a substantial number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Legal precedents and changing attitudes
Significant legal cases have started to change industry attitudes toward hearing protection. A landmark case involving the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of adequate protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry needs to adhere to workplace safety standards, including hearing protection.
Every industry that is overly loud, including the music industry, needs to have safety standards in place that require hearing protection, and this ruling is an essential reminder of that. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to address tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many music professionals suffer from some level of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition triggered by exposure to exceedingly loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and irreversible hearing damage. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are constantly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, 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
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 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 protect people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness expands and protective practices become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decrease. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their field, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for appropriate protections.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
If you’re in the music industry and concerned about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.