Austin is the live music capital of the world. From our airports to our grocery stores to our many venues, we can hear live music in just about every corner of our vibrant city. While you’re choosing between soul, rock, country, jazz, pop, alt and R&B for your next concerts, take a little time to read our tips to protect your hearing without sacrificing your music.
Wear Earplugs
Earplugs should be every music-lover’s best friend. These simple tools soften the impact of sound waves on your ears and reduce your risk of hearing damage. Many people worry that earplugs will interfere with the quality of their music, but that depends on the style you choose to wear.
Some earplugs, like the disposable foam options you squish and then let expand in your ear, act as helpful barriers to reduce sound volume, but they may also distort sound by lowering some frequencies more than others. High-fidelity plugs, however, offer special filters that evenly reduce noise to lower volume without distorting sound.
The earplugs you choose will depend on how often you attend live shows and how important music clarity is to you. If you want to enjoy the clearest sound without damaging your hearing, search “earplugs for musicians” or “high-fidelity earplugs” and grab a well-rated pair.
Sit Away From the Speakers
Concert venues will have speakers placed at the stage or at a few spots around the room. When you go to a concert, identify where the speakers are and stand as far away from them as possible. The volume will likely reach dangerous levels right next to the speakers, and you should still be able to enjoy the sound when you’re standing away from them.
Take Breaks
Your ears need the occasional break on concert nights. Walk to a quieter part of the venue a couple of times during each concert to give your ears a chance to rest and recoup.
Schedule Regular Hearing Tests
Frequent concertgoers are at an increased risk of developing hearing loss. Scheduling regular hearing tests is the best way to catch damage early and address it through hearing protection methods or hearing aids. Contact River ENT today to schedule your test with one of our trusted specialists.
