Summer is in full swing, and one of the best ways for music lovers to enjoy the season is at an outdoor concert. But whether it’s rock, jazz, hip-hop, pop, or even a symphony performance, chances are it’s too loud.
Sound levels above 85 decibels can contribute to noise-induced hearing loss, and a recent study measured the decibel levels at several musical performances at more than 100 decibles.
Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to concerts; just take some precautions to protect your hearing.
Here are some tips:
• Sit in the back. A front row seat right by the wall of speakers isn’t worth losing your hearing.
• Sit on the left or right. Sitting in the middle puts you right in the middle of the sound waves.
• Give yourself a break. If it’s a festival or more than one performance, take a walk and give your ears a bit of peace.
• Find out your hearing threshold. If prolonged listening causes ringing in your ears, it may be damaging. Reduce volume and exposure time.
• Use hearing protection. Ear plugs or special head phones can protect you from intense volume and prolonged exposure.
At Hearing Associates, we offer custom made musicians’ plugs that are made specifically to allow you to hear all pitches and frequencies of music, but at a reduced volume. We also offer other custom-made hearing protection products.
Schedule an appointment at our main office in in Mason City– or at any of our other locations in Iowa, or at our facility in Albert Lee, Minnesota.