For professional musicians, hearing isn’t simply a sense, it’s a vital part of their craft and livelihood. However, many musicians still think that hearing loss is just an inescapable consequence of practicing their craft. This is both an outdated and harmful frame of mind. Luckily, this detrimental attitude is being challenged by growing awareness and recent legal changes which emphasize how important using hearing protection is.

Noisy work environments and hearing safety

Musicians aren’t the only professionals exposed to high noise levels. Similar dangers can be found in fields like construction and manufacturing. However, the music industry has been a lot slower and more resistant to making use of ear protection. 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 including hard hats and ear protection. This practice is well-incorporated into the work culture, making protective equipment a basic expectation.
Performance Concerns: Musicians depend on their hearing to perform, frequently leading to skepticism about hearing protection devices. There’s a prevailing misconception that earplugs or earmuffs could hinder sound quality or performance, despite 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 Out-of-date information is normally at the base of this misconception.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 grateful 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.

The effect of this “part of the job” mentality extends beyond musicians to other music industry professionals, including sound engineers, roadies, and venue staff, whose hearing is also at risk. A substantial number of individuals in the music industry have experienced hearing issues due to this collective complacency.

Legal precedents and changing attitudes

Industry attitudes regarding hearing protection are changing as a result of several legal cases. This shift is underlined by a groundbreaking legal case concerning the Royal Opera House in London. A viola player, exposed to hazardously high levels of noise from the brass section during a performance, suffered extreme 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 standards, and that includes hearing protection.

This ruling serves as a critical reminder that no industry, including the music industry, is exempt from the need for reliable hearing protection. It also indicates a turning point, urging industry stakeholders to focus on the health and safety of their employees and contractors.

Dealing with acoustic shock and tinnitus

The prevalence of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry is alarmingly high. Chronic tinnitus, irreversible hearing damage, and hyperacusis due to exposure to very loud sound is known as acoustic shock. The risk is particularly acute for individuals frequently exposed to loud settings, including DJs, classical musicians, rock bands, and their support crews.

The good news is, musicians can now get specialized ear protection that will protect their hearing while still allowing them to get accurate sound fidelity.

Cultivating 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 get specialized hearing protection. The goal is to normalize the use of hearing protection and shift away from the outdated notion that hearing loss is an inescapable aspect of the profession. The Royal Opera House case has catalyzed this change, highlighting the need for proactive measures to protect hearing.

The preponderance of hearing loss and tinnitus in the music industry should decrease with the growth of awareness and proactive actions. Hearing loss should never be regarded as “part of the job”. Protecting their hearing health and taking the appropriate safety measures is essential for every professional no matter what their job is.

With this paradigm shift, professionals in the music industry can continue to practice their craft while still protecting their most valuable tool, their hearing.