Getting ready for Reading and Leeds Festival? Looking forward to Latitude? Can’t wait for Creamfields? Whatever festival you’re going to this year, we’ve got your ear protection covered.
Dodgy Decibels
Did you know that the World Health Organisation recommends we should protect our ears from prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels? That’s about the volume of a vacuum cleaner – so imagine how loud those decibels can reach at a rock concert!
In fact, on average, music events like concerts reach around 110 decibels, which can lead to temporary or even permanent hearing loss after only two minutes. And the longer the exposure, the greater the risk. Plus, noise levels this loud make you extra-susceptible to developing tinnitus.
What exactly do loud noises do to our ears?
Inside our inner ears is the cochlea, home to 15,500 microscopic hair cells. These send nerve pulses to our brain which are translated into sounds. But the hair cells are very sensitive to loud noises and, once they are damaged, they cannot recover or grow back – causing irreparable hearing loss.
What’s the solution?
Of course we’d never tell you to miss out on seeing your favourite band perform up close and personal – but there are some precautions you can take to prevent hearing damage.
- Wear ear plugs – you can buy specialist plugs specifically for concerts that will bring down the decibels while allowing you to enjoy the music as intended
- Stand back from the front – the further away you are from the stage (or the speakers), the better for your ears; plus you won’t get pushed and shoved so much in the crowd!
- Take breaks – if you’re at a multi-day festival event like Glastonbury, mix up your day with some of the quieter activities on offer. This will allow your ears to rest. Flower-crown crafting anyone?
- Bringing the kids? – Festivals are fun for all the family, but little ears are extra sensitive. So it’s important to protect them with some over-ear ear defenders.
Book an appointment
Been to a live music event lately and experiencing some ear issues? Looking for the perfect pair of concert ear plugs? Or just in need of a check-up? The expert audiologists here at The Hearing Care Partnership are ready with sound advice. We have a whole range of hearing defenders that we can supply for any type of noise exposure and in ear monitors for those more serious about music!
You can book an appointment online, over the phone on 0800 52 00 546 or at your local branch today.