CONCERT GO'ERS
Researchers stated that earplug use is effective in preventing temporary hearing loss after loud music exposure. Ramakers and colleagues from 2016, found that out of 51 participants (102 ears) attending a music festival in Amsterdam, that 42% of ears the unprotected group experienced a slight hearing loss after the festival.
Only 4 out of 50 ears experienced the slight hearing loss out of the group who wore hearing protection.
Additionally, newly induced ringing following sound exposure occurred in 3 of the 25 (12.5%) participants in the earplug group versus 10 of 25 (40%)in the unprotected group.
Overall, earplug use significantly reduced the temporary slight hearing loss and ringing following attendance at a music festival compared to those who were unprotected.
EARBUD USERS
Are you able to hear conversation happening around you when you have your earbuds in?
If yes:
You are probably listening at an okay volume that will not cause damage to your hearing long term.
If no:
Most likely, the volume on your personal listening device (e.g. ipod, iphone, xbox headset, etc.) is too loud.
It is important to turn down the volume on your device, especially if you are listening through it frequently through the day.
This also applies to listening to music in your car. Have you ever drive past someone and heard their music over your own? Their music is too loud and their hearing system is strained more than it should be.
Protect your ears and Turn It to the Left.
To learn more about the Turn It to the Left movement, visit: www.turnittotheleft.com
WHAT I WISH I KNEW
As a musician, I have always loved going to concerts and supporting other artists. I would go to a concert and leave with ringing in my ears and I would feel like my hearing sounded "muted." It was not until I started in my profession as an Audiology student clinician that I learned about hearing protection and why it is so important.Â
Now, I wear hearing protection to every concert that I go to and bring extras for others around me. It is a great feeling being able to leave a show, remove the earplugs and not have constant high-pitched ringing and reduced hearing ability.Â
I encourage you, the next time that you go to a concert or a show, to try wearing hearing protection. There are many different kinds, so I encourage you to find what is the most comfortable for you that you are willing to wear for the duration of a show. Let me know what you have found works and what doesn't work for you. I would love to share your experience with other musicians and music lovers alike.