When heading to a musical concert, you can feel the adrenaline pumping early into the day. The excitement of what is to come feels natural, as does the likelihood of an amazing night you’ll struggle to forget. However, alongside that excitement often comes a feeling of trepidation. When you are heading out, you might have one question in particular in mind: “Should I wear earplugs when going to a music concert?”
If you are wondering that, then you are at least thinking along the right lines. Now, some people might think it sounds counterproductive – why would you want to drown out the music at a music event? – but there’s method to this for sure.
For one, being around such low volume of sound for a long period of time can have a damaging and detrimental impact on your ears. It’s quite common to leave a gig with your ears feeling damaged and a little under pressure, often leading to hearing loss (temporarily). If you consider that a normal conversation that you would hold would be around 65 decibels in volume, and a musical concert can be anything from 100-120 decibels, it’s easy to see why your ears might be feeling the pressure.
By the same token, though, it only takes two minutes of hearing above 110 decibels for your ears to be at risk of becoming damaged. With that in mind, then, it’s easy to see why you should consider wearing earplugs if you go to a concert: it can insulate you from the excessive noise.
I Love My Ears
Credit must go out to websites such as I Love My Ears, which have been around for a while, raising awareness of the damage that can be done to hearing by prolonged exposure to loud music. This particular website offers sound health advice for those who have concerns about their hearing because of loud music. It is also updated regularly with news around this issue.
Could Wearing Earplugs at a Music Concert Stop Hearing Loss?
It could certainly protect you from the worst of the damage, yes. However, you do need to wear a good quality pair of earplugs if you intend on doing this. With the fact that loud music is likely to cause temporary hearing loss, repeated exposure to such large volumes could, over time, lead to permanent hearing loss – or even the development of conditions such as tinnitus.
Naturally, you should be doing all that you can to protect your ears and your body from such a damaging experience. If you are going to be going to a loud musical concert, then it’s important that you prepare accordingly. Whilst going to a quiet acoustic set is unlikely to need such proactive treatment, you would be quite likely to need such assistance if you were to go to a musical concert with consistently loud music.
Therefore, you can easily wear earplugs when you go to a musical gig so long as you pick ones that don’t entirely stifle the sound. You can pick up what are known as high fidelity music earplugs; these will limit the excess nature of the sound, but it won’t hurt the quality of the music. This helps to deliver a flat attenuation to the sound, meaning that you can enjoy the gig just as you would without the earplugs, but without the lasting impact on your ears!
So, while wearing earplugs to a music concert might sound odd, there really are some exceptional benefits to choosing to do so.
Concert Ear Protection Tips
When attending concerts, it’s essential to protect your hearing from the potentially damaging effects of prolonged exposure to loud music. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the show while safeguarding your ears:
- Choose the Right Earplugs: Invest in high-fidelity earplugs designed specifically for concerts and live music events. These earplugs reduce the overall volume without distorting the sound quality, allowing you to enjoy the music as intended.
- Fit Matters: Proper fit is crucial for earplugs to be effective. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. Improperly fitted earplugs can lead to an uneven reduction in sound levels, defeating their purpose.
- Take Breaks: Even with earplugs, your ears can become fatigued after extended periods of loud music exposure. Take breaks by stepping outside or finding a quieter area to give your ears a rest.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make your ears more susceptible to damage from loud noises. Drink plenty of water before and during the concert to keep your body and ears well-hydrated.
Protecting Your Hearing for a Lifetime of Music
While earplugs may seem counterintuitive at a concert, they are essential for safeguarding your hearing health. Repeated exposure to loud music without proper protection can lead to permanent hearing damage, tinnitus, or other auditory issues. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your favourite artists’ live performances for years to come without compromising your ability to appreciate the music fully.
Best Earplugs for Concerts
Original DownBeats Earplugs – BLACK
£17.99
Original DownBeats Earplugs – BLUE
£17.99
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Original DownBeats Earplugs – PURPLE
£17.99
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Mack’s Hear Plugs – High Fidelity Earplugs
£14.99
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Alpine PartyPlug Earplugs
£13.99
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Etymotic Research ER20 Musicians Earplugs
£14.99
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Mack’s Acoustic Foam Corded Earplugs
Original price was: £6.99.£4.99Current price is: £4.99.
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Fusion Resuable Corded Earplugs – Small
£4.99
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Fusion Resuable Corded Earplugs – Large
£4.99
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Photo “Earplug Girl” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
