Summer is concert season, a time to enjoy your favorite artists and a night out with friends. Whether you are a festival fanatic, dive-bar indie band lover, or somehow snagged tickets to see Taylor Swift, live music is not, unfortunately, great for your ears. In this article, we'll delve into the potential risks to your hearing during concerts and provide you with valuable tips to protect your ears while still enjoying the live music experience.

Concerts are thrilling and unforgettable experiences, but they often involve exposure to high sound levels that can be damaging to your hearing. Prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and other auditory problems. (Read more about how sound can damage our ears here.) However, with some simple precautions, you can safeguard your hearing without compromising on your love for live music.

• Familiarize Yourself with the Venue: Some concert venues have sound systems that may amplify the volume more than others. Before attending a concert, research the venue's reputation for sound quality and loudness. Knowing what to expect allows you to take appropriate precautions in advance.
• Plan Ahead and Choose Your Spot Wisely: Before attending a concert, consider the venue and seating arrangements. Opt for seats or areas that are away from the speakers or main amplifiers. By positioning yourself at a comfortable distance, you can reduce the intensity of sound reaching your ears.
• Use Earplugs: Investing in a good pair of earplugs can make a world of difference in protecting your hearing. They are designed to attenuate the sound without compromising the quality of the music. Look for musician-grade earplugs like RestorEar’s earplugs that offer balanced sound reduction, allowing you to enjoy the concert while keeping your ears safe.
• Take Breaks: If the concert is expected to last for several hours, take periodic breaks outside the venue or in quieter areas. Use these moments to give your ears a rest from the constant exposure to loud music. It's also an excellent opportunity to assess if your hearing feels fatigued or if any ringing in your ears is developing.
• Communication is Key: If you're attending a concert with friends or family, establish a system of communication to ensure everyone's well-being. Use simple gestures or cues to indicate if the music is too loud for comfort or if it's time for a break. Looking out for one another's hearing health is essential in such environments.
• Get Regular Hearing Check-ups: Maintaining your hearing health goes beyond protecting your ears during concerts. Schedule regular hearing check-ups with an audiologist to monitor your hearing and identify any early signs of hearing loss. Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better outcomes.
• Use ReBound After the Show: Even with earplugs, live music can be too loud. ReBound was designed to support hearing health AFTER noise exposure. Simply use ReBound for 20 minutes when you get home from your fun night and enjoy the calming benefits of cold therapy. You can shop ReBound here.

By being mindful of the risks and taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can enjoy the exhilaration of concerts while safeguarding your auditory health. Remember, your hearing is precious, and investing in protective measures is a small price to pay for a lifetime of great music experiences.