Music festivals and concerts are part of the quintessential summer experience, but are you aware of noise exposure dangers associated with these events? Your ears are susceptible to hearing damage or loss when exposed to sounds above 85 decibels for an extended period. Concerts typically range between 100 and 140 decibels, putting attendees at risk for conditions such as tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. If you’ve been to a concert lately and weren’t using proper hearing protection, you should visit a hearing clinic to have your hearing checked, especially if you’ve noticed a change to your hearing.
If you’ve noticed ringing, muffled sound, or any other change after a recent concert, booking a hearing test in Toronto is a straightforward way to assess whether any damage has occurred.
How to Prevent Hearing Damage at Concerts
We’ve identified some preventative measures you can take to ensure your next concert experience is both safe and enjoyable.
Wear Custom Earplugs for Music
The best way to protect your hearing when you go to a concert is to wear custom ear plugs. You can listen to music recreationally without impairing your hearing by getting ear plugs that are specially made to fit your ears. While you may be worried about the effect on your experience, these ear plugs will not minimize the sound of the music and are the perfect asset to any frequent concertgoer.
Custom earplugs are moulded to the exact shape of your ears and designed to reduce sound levels evenly without distorting sound quality. This allows you to enjoy music clearly at a safer volume.
Check Sound Levels
When the concert begins, you can check the sound levels by using an app on your phone. If the sound level exceeds 85 decibels, you may need to move further away from the speakers or find different seats.
Move Away From the Speaker
Sometimes protecting your hearing during a concert can be as simple as stepping away from the speaker. If the seats are assigned when you purchase your ticket, consider choosing a spot further back from the stage and speakers.
Take a Break
You should give yourself short breaks whenever possible during the concert. Even if you’re wearing protective ear plugs, it’s a good idea to give your ears a break by stepping out of the arena or away from the stage throughout the concert.
Recognize the Signs of Noise-Induced Hearing Damage
Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of hearing damage after you attend a concert. If you notice ringing in your ears, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, or a distinct pain in your ears, you should visit a hearing clinic for testing. These are symptoms of hearing loss and could indicate a more serious issue.
To take extra measures to protect your hearing after you’ve attended a concert, you should also refrain from listening to music with headphones or anything else at a high volume.
According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices making post-concert habits just as important as in-venue protection. Persistent ringing or buzzing after noise exposure may be an early sign of tinnitus. Learn more about sudden hearing loss: when to act and what to expect.
Need Help?
Toronto family Hearing clinic in Toronto provides comprehensive hearing care, including hearing tests, hearing aid repairs, tinnitus treatment, and more. Our experienced audiologists are committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care tailored to your needs. To learn how we can support your hearing health, contact us today at (416) 792-9400.