Noise induced hearing loss is an epidemic sweeping entire nations. Musicians like Coldplay’s Chris Martin and KISS’s Paul Stanley preach the benefits of musician’s earplugs for concert attendees and fellow musicians alike.

The HEARing CRC (Hearing Cooperative Research Centre) is currently undertaking a pilot study of how live music venues in Australia can be made more ‘hearing friendly’.

This is fantastic news but, in the meantime, there are simple preventative measures you can take to ensure you don’t waste your hearing on a band.

Customised musician’s earplugs can make a super loud concert even better by reducing volume without distorting sound – you’ll still feel the bass! AND, anyone can wear them. They’re great for people who suffer from hyper sensitivity to sound and can even be worn while mowing the lawn.

When it comes to loud sound, giving your cochlea hair cells time to recover is key. For example, for every 8 hours you’re exposed to 85 decibels you should take a break away from it or you’re going to experience damage – even if you don’t realise it right away; damage can be cumulative.
Safety limits halve with every 3 decibel increase.

When you’re at a concert, take a ten minute break away from the stage and speakers for every hour you’re there. And listen to your ears. If they start to hurt or ring, move away from the source of the loud sound immediately. That way, you should be able to enjoy listening to your favourite band, for many years to come.

You can find out more about safe sound levels and time limits here.