Hearing is a vital part of a professional musician’s livelihood and art, not simply a mere sense. Surprisingly, many musicians still perform under the impression that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This is both an outdated and unhealthy mindset. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important using hearing protection is.
Rethinking hearing safety in noisy work conditions
Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in industries like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to utilizing ear protection. Several factors contribute to this discrepancy:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, warrants the use of safety gear including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a common expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs might hinder sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is usually at the root of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: The arts typically cultivate an environment where professionals feel fortunate just to have a job, prompting them to accept suboptimal conditions without protest. 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.
It’s not only the musicians who face this “just part of the job” mentality, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A considerable number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing problems due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing due to legal precedents
Industry attitudes with regard to hearing protection are shifting as a result of several legal cases. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London showcased this shift. The brass section was creating 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 needs to follow workplace safety guidelines, and that includes hearing protection.
This ruling serves as a crucial reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.
How to deal with tinnitus and acoustic shock
It’s alarming how many musicians suffer from some degree of hearing loss and tinnitus. Acoustic shock, a condition brought about by exposure to extremely loud noises, can lead to persistent tinnitus, hyperacusis, and permanent hearing damage. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud settings, such as DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to protect hearing without compromising sound quality.
Nurturing hearing loss prevention as a culture
Nowadays it’s all about creating a cultural shift in the entertainment and music industry, not about being able to get specialized hearing protection. The primary 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 Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, emphasizing the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive steps. Hearing loss should never be considered “part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary protections.
With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still safeguarding their most valuable tool, their hearing.
If you are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, call us to schedule a hearing screening.