For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. Remarkably, many musicians still perform under the notion that hearing loss is an inevitable element of their profession. This frame of mind, which regards hearing damage as an inevitable consequence of the job, is both outdated and harmful. Luckily, this harmful mindset is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which highlight how important the use of hearing protection is.
Loud work environments and hearing safety
The music industry isn’t the only occupation that comes with loud settings. Vocations in construction, manufacturing, and other loud industries also encounter similar dangers. However, these industries have typically been quicker to adopt protective strategies compared to the music industry. There are several reasons for this:
- Hazard Awareness: In construction and manufacturing, the array of hazards, like heavy machinery and falling objects, necessitates the use of safety gear like hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
- Performance Concerns: Musicians rely on their hearing to perform, frequently resulting in skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a widespread misconception that earplugs or earmuffs may interfere with sound quality or performance, in spite of evidence to the contrary. Out-of-date information is normally at the base of this misconception.
- Cultural Norms: People who make a living in the arts will often accept work conditions that might be less than optimal because they’re just thankful to be doing what they love. Many people in the music industry feel like raising concerns could put their careers at risk so they keep their potential concerns about inadequate hearing protection to themselves.
It’s not only the musicians who encounter this “just part of the job” mindset, it also includes roadies, sound engineers, and event staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of people in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.
Mindsets are changing as a result of legal precedents
Important legal cases have begun to change industry mindsets toward hearing protection. A landmark case concerning the Royal Opera House in London highlighted this shift. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered severe hearing damage and tinnitus because of a lack of sufficient protection. The court’s decision in favor of the viola player underscored that the music industry must follow workplace safety guidelines, including hearing protection.
Every profession that is overly loud, including the music industry, needs to have safety standards in place that require hearing protection, and this ruling is a crucial reminder of that. It also signals a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on 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. Chronic tinnitus, permanent 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.
Luckily, contemporary hearing protection technologies, including specialized earplugs and earmuffs, are designed to safeguard hearing without diminishing sound quality.
Nurturing a culture of hearing loss preservation
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 primary objective is to move away from the outdated idea that hearing loss is just an inescapable part of being in the music industry and to normalize the use of protection. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive actions to safeguard hearing.
As awareness expands and protective strategies become standard, the prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry should decline. We should never think of hearing loss as an “unavoidable part of the job”. It is essential for all professionals, regardless of their discipline, to prioritize their hearing health and advocate for necessary 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 are in the music industry and worried about your hearing health, contact us to schedule a hearing test.