Journal Article
Workplace Noise Regulations in the Music Industry: A Square Peg and a Round Hole
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society · Volume 61 · Issue 9 · pp. 667–675 · September 2013
Abstract
The music and entertainment industries have developed some momentum toward preventing music-induced hearing loss. This paper briefly summarizes the standards and regulations that constitute occupational noise regulations in the U.S. Although the music and entertainment industries are subject to the same requirements to protect the hearing of their workers as other industries, difficulties applying and enforcing regulations put these workers at risk. This contrasts with the EU, and especially the UK, where the legal authority partnered with stakeholders in working groups to develop, document, implement, and gauge the effectiveness of regulatory legislation. This article is motivated to initiate dialogues among audio professionals working in music and entertainment as to how these industries might be proactive in preventing hearing loss and conserving the hearing of their workers.
