Protecting your hearing during summer festival season

Rock, folk, jazz, country, you name it, summer is the time for outdoor music concerts and festivals. Have you ever wondered what all that noise is doing to your hearing? An average concert often exceeds 100 dB, with some rock concerts reaching 140 dB, the same level as a jet engine. At these levels hearing can be permanently damaged within minutes. In fact we are seeing hearing loss occurring at younger and younger ages, due in part to loud music.

Fortunately there are ways to protect your hearing while still enjoying your favorite music festivals. The best way to preserve your hearing is to use hearing protection. Foam earplugs can be purchased in most drug stores or hardware stores. For maximum protection consider seeing an Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist to be fit with custom earplugs. Custom earplugs provide greater reduction in noise while still allowing you to hear music. Another way to protect your hearing is to take frequent breaks. Where the situation allows, take a walk away from the stage for a while to give your ears some rest. Also, try not to stand near speakers.

Follow these steps to preserve your hearing and enjoy the music for years to come!