Noise in the workplace should be managed just in the same way as any other hazard: assess the risk, determine who could be affected, and implement measures to reduce potential harm. According to the HSE, approximately 15,000 people in Britain believe their hearing has been damaged by work, including cases of full or partial hearing loss, toxic shock, and tinnitus.
Scottish Hazards suggests this figure is likely underestimated, as it mainly reflects traditional industrial deafness found in heavy industry, rather than hearing issues such as tinnitus (common in music and hospitality) or toxic shock (observed in contact centres). This reported number seems very low, especially considering Tinnitus UK’s recent report for Tinnitus Week 2026, Amplifying Awareness indicates around 8 million people suffer from tinnitus alone.
It is not known how many of these cases relate to work exposure as little, or probably no, enforcement action is taken by authorities who risk the hearing health of workers. Responsibility for managing occupational hearing loss is often divided between the HSE and Local Authority Environmental Health Departments, both of which have faced severe budget cuts, with the HSE losing 45% of its funding since 2010, and environmental health departments facing even greater challenges, particularly regarding resources for health and safety inspections.
Perhaps the greatest challenge is encouraging individuals, both at work and in daily life, to care for their hearing health and take steps to prevent damage, harm that can be permanent and significantly disabling. Tinnitus UK has a number of videos simulating the interference sufferers endure in their everyday lives, please ensure take heed of the warning at the start of the clips before listening.
The music industry presents notable risks for both professional musicians, venue staff and individuals attending live events. Occupational tinnitus is defined as tinnitus that is caused or exacerbated by workplace noise exposure. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels in occupational settings can damage the inner ear hair cells, resulting in hearing loss and persistent tinnitus. Importantly, this form of tinnitus is recognized as a preventable occupational health issue when appropriate protective measures are implemented.
In the United Kingdom, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 mandates employers to manage excessive noise exposure and safeguard employees’ hearing. This includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments, implementing adequate control strategies to mitigate risk, and supplying suitable personal protective equipment. Non-compliance may lead to long-term auditory damage among workers and potential legal action against employers.
Below is a summary of findings from live music venue staff and their employers:
93% of live music professionals (including performers, engineers, and venue staff) reported experiencing hearing problems attributable to their work environments.
81% indicated they had not received training regarding hearing safety.
59% stated they suffer from permanent tinnitus as a consequence of their occupational environment.
Only 18% of venues have reported implementing substantial measures to minimise hearing-related harm during events.
60% of venues identified budgetary constraints as the primary obstacle to enhancing hearing protection provision.
(Tinnitus UK)
The Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme is a United Kingdom initiative developed by the charity Help Musicians and the Musicians’ Union to support and safeguard the hearing health of professional musicians. This programme provides access to specialist hearing assessments, expert advice, and, when necessary, bespoke hearing protection such as musicians’ earplugs. Additionally, it offers comprehensive guidance on safe listening practices, tinnitus management, and ongoing hearing care that responds to the unique demands of musical professions.
Through its emphasis on both prevention and early intervention, the scheme seeks to enable musicians to maintain long and healthy careers without sacrificing their capacity to perform or appreciate music. In essence, it recognises hearing as a critical professional asset and promotes hearing health as an integral aspect of musicians’ overall wellbeing.
The risks to those working in the music industry have to managed in the same workplace hazards, suitable and sufficient risk assessment and implementing control measures, including:
- Engineering controls like in-ear monitors, sound-absorbing panels, and volume-limited speakers help reduce exposure at the source.
- Administrative measures—rotating staff, scheduling breaks, and training on safe listening—further limit risk.
- Personal protective equipment, such as high-fidelity earplugs, protects hearing without compromising sound quality. Regular hearing checks detect early signs of tinnitus, enabling timely action. Awareness campaigns about safe headphone use outside work also reinforce long-term auditory health. Combining these strategies ensures musicians, technicians, and audiences can enjoy music safely, preserving hearing and preventing tinnitus over the course of a career.
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