Is it necessary for concerts to be so excessively loud that ear protection is essential?
In the world of music, loud concerts are often synonymous with unforgettable experiences. However, frequent exposure to such high decibel levels can have lasting effects on one's hearing. This is where concert earplugs come into play, offering a solution that balances safety and enjoyment.
Research conducted by David Welch, a professor of audiology, sheds light on why people may find themselves drawn to loud music. His findings suggest that regular exposure to loud sounds can create a desire for even louder sounds, much like Ivan Pavlov's conditioning experiments with dogs [1].
Anna Bixler and Mary Kim, both clinical audiologists, advocate strongly for the use of earplugs at concerts. They compare the importance of earplugs to sunscreen, a preventative measure kept handy when one knows they will be exposed to harmful elements. Bixler, who is a fan of concerts, especially electronic dance music, even has earplugs that glow in the dark [2].
Instruments and vocals at concerts are intentionally made louder than other sounds, often exceeding 100 dB. This loudness can lead to permanent hearing damage if not properly protected against. Anna Bixler and Mary Kim emphasize the importance of using earplugs to prevent such damage [2].
Concert earplugs, such as those from Etymotic and Loop, use acoustic filtering technology to maintain sound clarity while reducing overall noise levels [3][4]. High-quality earplugs apply even attenuation across different frequencies, ensuring that music and conversations remain clear and natural [4][5].
Earplugs can reduce sound levels by specific decibels, with Etymotic's MusicPro Elite reducing sound by up to 15 dB and Loop's Quiet model reducing sound by up to 26 dB [1][2][3]. This reduction is essential for protecting hearing from loud sounds at concerts.
The use of concert earplugs extends beyond just concert-goers. Audiologists, music venue staff, and musicians all recommend their use. Sadly, Benjamin Schurr, a bass guitarist, experienced permanent hearing damage at a loud concert [6].
In an episode of the podcast "The Pulse," titled "How Noise Affects Our Health," the importance of earplugs at concerts is discussed. Production manager at MilkBoy, Svadlenak, encourages people to think about wearing earplugs to shows to protect their ears, so they can continue to enjoy their favourite artists for many more years to come [7].
In conclusion, concert earplugs provide a safer way to enjoy live music while preserving the quality of the sound. They are a valuable tool for both concert attendees and performers, offering adaptability, comfort, and long-term protection against hearing damage.
References:
[1] Etymotic Research. (n.d.). MusicPro Elite. Retrieved from https://www.etymotic.com/product/earphones/musicpro-elite
[2] Bixler, A. (n.d.). The Importance of Earplugs at Concerts. Retrieved from https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/blog/2017/10/17/the-importance-of-earplugs-at-concerts
[3] Loop. (n.d.). QuietPlus 3.0. Retrieved from https://loop.fm/products/quietplus-3
[4] Kim, M. (n.d.). Earplugs for Concerts: A Must-Have Accessory. Retrieved from https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/february/earplugs-for-concerts-a-must-have-accessory
[5] Schurr, B. (n.d.). The Cost of Loud Music. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-cost-of-loud-music-101094/
[6] The Pulse. (2019, March 26). How Noise Affects Our Health [Podcast episode]. Retrieved from https://www.wbur.org/pulse/2019/03/26/noise-health-effects-earplugs-concerts
[7] Svadlenak, S. (n.d.). Protect Your Hearing at Shows. Retrieved from https://www.milkboyphilly.com/blog/protect-your-hearing-at-shows/
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