Everyone loves to see their favorite band or artist live – there’s nothing like the thrill of watching them perform, singing and dancing along with thousands of other fans. But if your ears are ringing after the concert, it’s a sign that all that fun may have damaged your ears.
However, there is good news: this type of tinnitus is usually temporary. The bad news is that it can still cause permanent damage, especially if it happens again. To prevent that ringing in your ears after a concert performance, you need to be proactive. While temporary tinnitus can resolve on its own, if it becomes permanent, there is no cure; only management strategies can lessen its impact.
Your ears are designed to perform best within a certain decibel range. Even if it’s not a heavy metal show, concerts can reach up to 120 dB in an indoor venue – and outdoor shows still average around 100 dB. Wondering how loud concerts really get? Even orchestras or choirs can hit 90 dB, depending on the acoustics.
To put that into context, the highest “safe” decibel level is around 70 dB – and even that can cause damage over a prolonged period. That’s about as loud as the average washing machine or vacuum cleaner.
Three factors affect how much sound can damage your ears: distance, decibel level, and duration. Put simply, it depends on how close you are to the sound, how loud it is, and how long you’re exposed to it.
Always ensure you don’t sit (or stand) too close to the source of the music. As exciting as it is to be close to the action, loud sound at close range can cause lasting damage to your hearing. Even moving just a few rows back or stepping away from the speaker setup can make a noticeable difference.
The right hearing protection can help bring the volume down to safer levels without ruining the experience. Since the goal is to enjoy the music – not block it out – you might want to consider musician’s earplugs, which are designed to reduce noise evenly across frequencies. Your hearing aid specialist can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Take breaks as often as you can to give your ears a chance to rest. Even a quick visit to the bathroom or getting some fresh air while your least favorite song is on can prevent your ears from being overstimulated.
Experiencing tinnitus after a concert can be worrying, but with the right hearing care team, you can protect your hearing and enjoy clear sound for years to come. In addition to being proactive before you arrive at the concert, the importance of regular check-ups can’t be overstated. This will not only allow us to establish a baseline for you, but also detect even the smallest changes in your hearing that might indicate a problem. The earlier you take action, the better your outcomes generally are!
Don’t wait until your ears are ringing after a concert – book a hearing assessment and consultation with one of our experienced audiologists today.
Co-Founder | Doctor of Audiology
