Hearing is an essential part of a professional musician’s living and art, not simply a mere sense. However, many musicians still believe that hearing loss is just an unavoidable outcome of practicing their craft. This is both an antiquated and harmful mindset. Luckily, this detrimental mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal developments which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.
Noisy work settings and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud environments. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been much slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. There are several 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 common expectation that is well-integrated into the work culture as a result.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in 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 This resistance is typically based on outdated information.
- Cultural Norms: Individuals who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that may be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel as if raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about insufficient hearing protection to themselves.
The impact of this “part of the job” mentality 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 significant number of people experiencing hearing-related issues.
Mindsets are changing as a result of legal precedents
Industry mindsets with regard to hearing protection are changing as a result of numerous legal cases. This shift is highlighted by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to dangerously high noise levels from the brass section during a performance, suffered major hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of sufficient 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.
This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no profession, including the music industry, is excused from the need for effective hearing protection. It’s also forcing industry leaders to make the health and safety of their contractors and employees a focal point.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is shockingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. For DJs, musicians, and their crews who are regularly exposed to loud sound this is an especially acute risk.
The good news is, musicians can now invest in specialty ear protection that will safeguard their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
Nowadays it’s all about nurturing a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The main objective is to move away from the antiquated 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 safeguard people’s hearing by taking proactive measures.
As awareness increases and protective strategies become standard, the incidence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “inescapable part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the proper safety measures is crucial for every professional regardless of what their job is.
By embracing this new paradigm, musicians and industry professionals can safeguard their most valuable asset, their hearing, while continuing to succeed in their craft.
Give us a call for a consultation if you’re in the music industry and have concerns about the health of your hearing.