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5 May 2025

Rock On Without Ringing in the Ears: A Guide to Concert using Ear Protection

Concerts are an exhilarating experience, filled with the energy of live music and the excitement of being surrounded by fellow fans in a large crowd. However, the high-volume levels at concerts can pose a significant risk to your hearing. Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and often gradual, making it crucial to take proactive steps to protect your ears while enjoying your favorite artists. This guide will provide essential information on how to safeguard your hearing at concerts.


Understanding the Risks of Concert Noise

  • Concert decibel levels often exceed 100 dB, above safe limits.
  • Prolonged exposure can damage hair cells in the inner ear.
  • This can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.
  • Even a single loud concert can have lasting effects.

 

The Importance of Hearing Protection

  • Wearing hearing protection helps to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
  • Music-specific earplugs reduce volume without distorting sound quality.
  • Hearing protection will reduce the intensity of harmful noise to safe levels.

 

Selection for hearing protection

  • Foam Earplugs: Affordable and accessible, offer decent noise reduction but can muffle sound.
  • High-Fidelity Earplugs: Made of silicone, provide natural listening with significant noise reduction (15-25 dB).
  • Custom-Molded Earplugs: Best fit, comfort, and protection.

 

Practical Tips for Protecting Your Ears at Concerts

  • Stay a reasonable distance from the speakers.
  • Take ear breaks by going to quieter areas every hour.
  • Be mindful of the concert's duration.

 

After the Concert: What to Expect

  • Temporary hearing changes like muffled sound or ringing are common.
  • These usually subside within hours or a day.
  • Consult an audiologist if symptoms persist or worsen.
  • Make hearing protection a routine for all concerts.

 

Attending concerts should be a joyous and memorable experience. By understanding the risks associated with loud music and taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure that you can continue to enjoy live music for a lifetime without the negative consequences of noise-induced hearing loss. Make ear protection a non-negotiable part of your concert essentials and prioritize your long-term hearing health.

 

Nabila, Senior Audiologist at 20dB Hearing TTDI