Concerts and festivals are an exhilarating experience, but the exposure to loud music can have a lasting impact on your hearing. That’s why using earplugs for protection is an absolute must to ensure you can enjoy music for years to come.
Over one billion music fans are at risk of permanent hearing loss when not using proper ear protection. We’ve all been to shows where the bass thumps through our bodies and rattles our eardrums. Sounds above 90dB can cause damage after just two hours, and most concerts exceed 100dB, with electronic shows being even louder. While we can’t escape the booming bass in the electronic scene, we can take responsible steps to safeguard our hearing.
One in three cases of hearing loss is caused by loud exposure to sound, including concerts and headphone use. Music-induced hearing disorders are permanent, but the good news is that loud sound-induced hearing loss is entirely preventable. Yet, over 80% of listeners use their personal music devices at risky levels that may cause permanent damage.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices and exposure to dangerous sound levels at entertainment venues. Shockingly, 74% of musicians report suffering from a music-induced hearing disorder or a combination of several disorders.
Without proper protection, those powerful bass-blasting speakers are slowly damaging the delicate hair cells in your ears. But fear not, there are plenty of options for hearing protection that we’ve listed below.
Comfort, fit, sound quality, and price – these are the most important factors to consider when choosing earplugs.
Earplugs are the best way to protect your hearing at festivals and shows. They need to be comfortable to wear for extended periods and form a secure seal in your ear to be truly effective.
Trusty foam earplugs are great when you’re in a pinch. Be the considerate music fan who carries extra earplugs – foam earplugs will do just fine at any show. Buying packs of foam earplugs for you and your friends will earn you gratitude later.
Here are a few options worth considering:
- Earasers Musicians Plugs: These non-custom plugs have specific right and left designations, which may make inserting them in a dark club tricky.
- Eargasm Earplugs: A great option for non-custom earplugs, these come with pairs in two sizes, providing a second pair as a backup or to share with a friend.
- LiveMus!c HearSafe: This set includes two sets with different reduction levels (29dB and 23dB), giving you the option for added protection.
If you’re looking for both style and function, check out Loop Earplugs. These fashionable earplugs offer solid protection at an affordable price. The Experience earplugs reduce volumes by 18 decibels and are ideal for most club and festival settings, while the Quiet earplugs provide peace in camping festival environments. For higher noise reduction, consider the Loop Experience Pro, which includes an additional “mute” insert for 5 more decibels of protection.
If you’re a frequent festival-goer or a DJ, investing in custom earplugs is well worth it. The earplugs are tailored to fit your ears perfectly, and you can even choose your preferred colors and sound level filtration.
Made to be comfortable for all-day wear, these earplugs will stay securely in place. Getting them is a simple process – you’ll need to get an impression of your ear, which can be done at a 1of1 office or with an audiologist. Unlike many other earplugs, the sound reduction is consistent across all frequencies, preserving the audio quality while still offering protection.
In conclusion, earplugs are a must at shows if you want to continue enjoying live music without compromising your hearing. Whether you’re a musician or a fan, no one wants to lose their hearing prematurely. Embrace the responsible raver in you and prioritize ear protection – it’s the key to a lifetime of enjoying the music you love.