Attending concerts and music festivals is an exhilarating way to experience live music. Standing in a crowd, feeling the energy, and listening to your favourite band is like nothing else. But have you considered what that incredible volume does to your hearing? Most of us don’t, until it’s too late. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel sound puts you at serious risk of hearing damage, including conditions like tinnitus or permanent hearing loss. The good news? Protecting your ears doesn’t mean compromising on sound quality.
This guide will walk you through how to enjoy live music while keeping your ears safe. We’ll explore the risks of hearing loss, the best types of ear protection, and simple, actionable tips to protect your hearing.
The Risk of Hearing Loss at Concerts
Concerts and festivals are notoriously loud. Sound levels often exceed 100 decibels and can even reach up to 120–130 decibels near the speakers. To put that in perspective, noise above 85 decibels can cause long-term hearing damage with prolonged exposure.
The numbers back this up. Studies show that 1 in 8 people experiences hearing loss from recreational noise, including concerts. Such damage can lead to ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus) and even permanent hearing impairment. For Canadians who cherish their access to music festivals like Osheaga in Montreal or the Calgary Stampede concert lineup, adopting ear protection isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Why Focus on Ear Protection?
Ear protection significantly reduces your exposure to harmful noise levels, helping preserve your hearing while still allowing you to enjoy the music. High-quality earplugs or headphones act as a barrier, lowering decibel levels before they reach your ears.
Types of Ear Protection
Not all ear protection is created equal. Here are the main options to consider:
1. Concert-Specific Reusable Earplugs
Reusable earplugs designed for concerts—brands like Eargasm or Vibes—are a favourite among live music enthusiasts. These plugs are designed to filter out harmful frequencies while maintaining the clarity of speech and music. They’re discreet, comfortable, and environmentally friendly, making them an excellent investment.
2. Over-Ear Protection
For exceptionally loud events, noise-cancelling headphones or over-ear protection can be more effective. While bulkier than earplugs, they provide an added layer of defence. These are ideal for festivals like Boots and Hearts, which can have prolonged exposure to high-decibel performances.
3. Affordable Foam Earplugs
Available at most drugstores, foam earplugs are a budget-friendly option. While they’re effective at reducing noise, they can muffle sound more than reusable earplugs designed for music. Still, they’re a good backup when nothing else is available.
Quick Tips for Hearing Loss Prevention
Protecting your ears doesn’t require major lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Keep Your Distance from Speakers
Sound levels increase the closer you are to the source. Standing even a few meters away from the speakers can reduce the intensity and help protect your ears.
2. Take Regular Sound Breaks
During festivals or multi-set concerts, step into quieter areas like food or merch zones to give your ears a chance to recover. These small breaks can make a big difference.
3. Use Sound Monitoring Apps
Apps like Decibel X allow you to measure real-time sound levels. Such apps help you stay informed and find safer listening spots at events.
4. Follow the 60/60 Rule
Limit prolonged contact with loud music by sticking to the 60/60 rule—stay exposed to loud environments for no more than 60 minutes and aim for sound levels under 60% of their maximum where possible.
5. Be Prepared
Bringing along backup earplugs ensures you’re always prepared to protect your ears, no matter where the night takes you.
Protect Your Ears, Enjoy the Music Longer
Your hearing is precious, and protecting it requires just a few small steps, like investing in good-quality earplugs and creating habits like taking sound breaks or staying away from speakers. Live music has the power to inspire, energize, and connect us, but your enjoyment should never come at the expense of your ear health.
Are you worried about the toll concerts might take on your hearing? Reach out to us today to schedule a hearing test. Whether you’re a festival regular or hitting up your first major concert this year, you can make ear protection a priority while still soaking up every beat.
