"Hearing Protection Tips at Shows from Hearing Expert"

About the expert

• Debra Mueller is a hearing care professional for HearUSA. She has been an audioprosthologist for more than a decade and has certifications with both the International Hearing Society and the Texas Hearing Aid Association.

Whether your summer has included Lollapalooza, Cowboy Carter, Dave Matthews, or the Coldplay Boston show... music brings us together, creates the soundtrack of our lives, and improves our health. A 2024 report released by the University of Michigan noted how listening to music can also reduce stress, provide a boost of energy, or spark memory recall. Research in years past has also suggested that singing in the shower—or, maybe anywhere—can amplify immune response.

For all the benefits, there’s also a health hazard: Your hearing. Nielsen data in 2015 noted that around 32 million Americans head out to concerts each year, and that was well before post-pandemic fan magnets like the Eras Tour and Cyndi Lauper’s summer tour. Leaving a live show with a muffled or ringing effect almost certainly means the volume was too high, which has implications beyond the next day or two when things sound normal again. In 2014, Dr. Eric Smouha, MD, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, told CBS New York that even just a couple hours’ worth of loud music exposure may affect nerve transmission and long-term auditory processing—potentially meaning diminished hearing in the long run.

For all the emphasis Americans are placing on our health these days, there’s no shame in protecting your hearing at a show. That’s especially true as a growing body of research shows a connection between hearing loss and dementia, not to mention feelings of isolation and depression.

Ahead, Debra Mueller, a HearUSA audioprosthologist, shares seven ways worth listening to when it comes to protecting your ears at concerts.

Put in Earplugs

“Wearing earplugs is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce sound levels,” Mueller says. She adds that many venues even offer high-fidelity earplugs designed to lower volume without distorting the experience.

Be Smart About Where You Stand

Though there’s a certain rush that comes with being so close to your favorite act, standing directly in front of speakers or close to the stage exposes you to more intense sound levels, warns Mueller. Instead of being so up close and personal, she recommends opting for a spot further back or off to the side to reduce risk.

Take Sound Breaks

“Step away from the noise now and then to give your ears time to recover,” she says, adding that even short resets can reduce your overall exposure and help protect against long-term damage.

Don’t Shout Over the Music

Mueller knows it’s tempting to yell to friends during a show, but shouting “increases strain on your own hearing,” she says. Instead, she recommends saving your voice and buzz together after the encore.

Space Out Your Shows

If you’re planning to hit several shows or festivals this summer or fall, be mindful of what Mueller refers to as “cumulative exposure.” Giving your ears time to recover between events can go a long way in preserving your hearing, she says.

Know the Warning Signs

While muffled hearing, temporary hearing loss, or a ringing sensation in the ears (a condition known as tinnitus) typically fade within 24 to 48 hours, she says they can also signal the start of permanent damage if they persist.

Get a Hearing Check If Symptoms Linger

“If you’re still feeling the post-concert effects days after an event, such as persistent ringing or difficulty hearing conversations, it may be time to schedule a hearing check,” says Mueller. “HearUSA, for example, offers free hearing screenings at locations nationwide.”

While it may take a bit of time to adjust to these recommendations during your musical experiences, they’re proof you can still rock on while protecting your hearing in the long run, too.

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