Concerts are one of life’s great joys—nothing beats the thrill of immersing yourself in pulsating rhythms and electrifying melodies alongside like-minded music lovers. However, the very volume that transports us to an ethereal musical high can take a serious toll on our hearing if we aren’t careful.
As concert venues have gotten louder over the years to accommodate growing crowds, we must safeguard one of our most precious senses to ensure we can continue enjoying live shows for many concerts to come. Here are a few easy ways to protect your hearing at concerts without compromising the experience. Your ears will thank you later!
Don’t Stand Too Close for Too Long
Position yourself at a comfortable distance from the stage and speakers. The closer you are, the higher the sound pressure, exposing your ears directly to dangerously loud volumes. If you can’t resist being up close to the stage, avoid standing directly in front of the speakers.
Moreover, give your ears a break! Prolonged exposure to loud music increases the risk of hearing damage. If there’s an intermission or break between sets, go to a quieter area to give your ears a break.
Bring High-Fidelity Earplugs
Did you know that earplugs specifically designed for concertgoers exist? Unlike standard foam earplugs, these attenuate sounds uniformly across all frequencies, ensuring the music retains its fidelity while reducing the volume to a safer level. Look for high-fidelity earplugs from reputable brands to find the best fit and performance.
Mind Your Surroundings
Some areas of a concert venue may have a higher sound intensity than others. Generally, avoid standing too close to large speakers or amplifiers. If you notice a spike in sound levels, move around to find a spot with a more comfortable volume.
Keep Your Health in Mind
Your overall health impacts every small facet of your health, including your hearing. For example, did you know that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all contribute to better ear health? Likewise, smoking and consuming excessive alcohol can damage it. While you can’t throw down a yoga mat in the middle of a concert floor, you can prepare your body—and hearing—ahead of time by taking care of yourself.
Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly
One of the best ways to protect your hearing at concerts is by taking preventative measures beyond caring for your overall health. Scheduling regular hearing checkups with an audiologist is crucial to monitor any changes in your hearing ability. Early detection of hearing loss allows for prompt intervention and helps prevent further damage.
Go ahead and rock out at your next concert! However, remember to take these precautions to keep your ears safe. And if you ever have concerns about your hearing, do reach out to our audiologist in Texas at Allergy & ENT Associates to ensure your hearing is in tip-top shape.