Whether you like rock, country, smooth jazz or head-banging metal, attending a concert at The Golden Gup LLC is a great way to unwind. Protecting your hearing during and after the concert gives you some peace of mind that your musical fun isn’t going to hurt this precious sense.
How Can I Protect My Hearing During a Concert?
There are a couple of ways you can protect your hearing during a concert:
- Wear earplugs. Earplugs dampen the force with which sound hits your ears. A few different types of earplugs include disposable foam, shallower silicone, custom-made and high fidelity. High-fidelity earplugs are the best option for avid music fans because they have special filters that reduce volume without sacrificing sound quality.
- Sit away from speakers. Getting right up near the stage is fun, but not the best for your ears. Choosing a seat further from the stage or speakers will allow you to enjoy the music without hurting your hearing. Sitting on the lawn is an excellent option for outdoor venues.
- Take breaks. If sound feels overwhelming, step away from the main stage area for a few minutes to give your ears a break.
When Should I See an Audiologist?
It’s common to experience a mild ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or muffled hearing for the first few hours after a concert. We call this change a temporary threshold shift because your ears are less sensitive to noise for a short period—resulting in an inability to hear clearly.
You should see an audiologist if the muffled hearing or ringing persists for more than a few days or if you notice any of the following symptoms after about a week:
- You often ask others to repeat themselves
- You have difficulty following a conversation
- You have difficulty understanding people over the phone
- You can’t hear high-pitched noises like children talking or birds singing
- You struggle to understand others in noisy environments
- You turn the TV or radio up higher than usual
- You have prolonged or repeated bouts of tinnitus
- You have pain, pressure or fluid leakage from your ear
- You have dizzy spells or trouble balancing
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms after attending a concert, schedule an appointment with Speech & Hearing Associates for a hearing test.