October in Charleston is full of concerts, festivals and fun! Whether you’re going to a harvest festival, bluegrass concert or rock and roll, it’s critical to be aware of the dangers of loud noise exposure and how it can damage your ears.
Loud Noise Can Cause Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
The cells in your inner ear—which send sound information to the brain, enabling you to hear—are fragile. Loud noises enter our ears with destructive force, and that force can cause damage to those cells. When these cells sustain damage, they are unable to send sound information to the brain as normal, causing tinnitus, muffled hearing or noise-induced hearing loss. Sometimes this damage is temporary; sometimes it is not.
How to Protect Your Hearing
- Wear hearing protection. Earplugs are small and unobtrusive, but they can make a huge difference in sound levels.
- Use a sound level app. Check the sound levels on your phone by downloading a sound level app. Take stock of how loud it is where you’re positioned and adjust accordingly.
- Be mindful of where you sit/stand. Don’t position yourself right next to a speaker. Take a step back.
- Take breaks. Give your ears a break from time to time. This could be as simple as taking a bathroom break or getting a drink refill.
- Consider the venue. Outdoor venues are going to be a little gentler on the ears, because sound waves can dissipate around you instead of bouncing off the walls and sounding even louder. However, this makes proximity to speakers even more important, as often musicians will turn the volume up at outdoor venues.
- Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can increase blood pressure and blood flow, both of which can make the ear even more vulnerable to damage. High blood pressure has also been linked to tinnitus.
Signs of Hearing Loss
In the hours or days after the concert, keep an eye out for signs of damage to your hearing:
- Muffled sound
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched noises
- Difficulty hearing background noise
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ear
If you experience any of these symptoms or any other kind of change in your ability to hear, it’s a good idea to visit an audiologist for a hearing test to determine the extent of the damage. We at Charleston ENT & Allergy can determine the cause of your hearing loss and create a customized hearing treatment plan that works for you, enabling you to continue going to the festivals you love. Call today to make an appointment.