Music festival season is firmly underway with attendees taking the chance to attend a weekend full of live (and loud) music…
But how can those attending an abundance of festivals and live shows ensure they aren’t putting themselves at risk of hearing loss later in life?
While the topic of protecting one’s hearing may be the last thing on music lovers’ minds as they prepare to watch their very favorite bands and artists perform live, Dr. Jenn Schumacher, an audiologist at ReSoundexplains why it’s important to, protect your ears during festival season now, so you can prevent hearing loss later in life.
Tinnitus and hearing loss are extremely common among those working in the live music industry, from singers, musicians and DJs to crew working backstage at the venue. For music fans who love nothing more than attending regular live music events and spending their summers camping out at popular weekend festivals, there are certain precautions that can be taken to help reduce the risk of loud noises causing hearing loss or damage later in life.
1. Earplugs – While it’s virtually impossible to block out all the outside noise of a busy festival, earplugs are an essential item to pack when it comes to defending your ears from noise-induced hearing loss at a festival.
These devices will significantly lower the loudness of the music and therefore reduce the risk of any temporary or permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Common foam earplugs – available at any drugstore – can do the trick, but they can make music sound muffled. Your best bet is to order custom-made earplugs from a hearing care professional. Not only are they made just for your ears, they can also include special filters that don’t muffle or distort music, while still reducing the volume.
2. Avoid overexposure – Modern festivals can last anywhere between an entire day to a week, so it’s important to take regular breaks when possible during a full day of watching live performances. Exposure to loud music for lengthy periods can be seriously detrimental to the ears and could lead to tinnitus or temporary loss of hearing, which, over time and with repeated exposures, can become permanent.
Take the time to explore the food and drink options on offer at the festival you’re attending, explore any non-music-related performances or activities that may be on the lineup, or simply head back to your car, campsite, hotel or home for a quiet rest to give your ears a break. If you’re attending a show indoors, leave the auditorium occasionally for short breaks, or even better, take a breather outside if you’re able to re-enter the venue.
3. Don’t stand too close to the speakers – For those wary of the long-term effects and potential hearing loss that come with live music events, it’s important not to position yourself too close to the amps and the direct source of the sound.
4. Regular hearing checks – Regular checkups with a hearing care professional can help you prevent hearing issues, by detecting any early hearing damage or early loss. It will also allow you to have a good understanding of the condition of your ears, so you can take care of and protect them going forward and still enjoy live music events and festivals.
