Music to Our Ears: The Importance of Hearing Protection at Concerts and Sporting Events

Some would argue that attending a concert or a professional sporting event is a rite of passage, and it seems to be happening at a younger age. While we are busy making memories and introducing our kids to these fun activities, there is one thing that should be considered and that is the importance of hearing protection.  

According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, your ears should have very little exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB). The average rock concert can be anywhere from 90dB-120dB with some reporting the Taylor Swift Eras tour reached 123 dB! And sporting events are no better with an NFL football game reaching a record 142 dB at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in 2014.  

Why Does Hearing Protection Matter for Your Child?

Your child’s hearing is sensitive and a prolonged amount of exposure to loud sounds, like a concert or professional sporting event can cause permanent damage to their hearing.  It is important to be aware of the signs to look for with noise-induced hearing loss, as well as ways to protect you and your child’s hearing.   

Signs or Symptoms of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss:

• A report of ringing in the ears

• Turning the TV volume up too loud

• Asking for things to be repeated often

• Complaining that they are having trouble hearing

Choosing the Right Hearing Protection

There are several options for protecting your child’s hearing at concerts and sporting events:

Earplugs: Disposable or reusable earplugs are available at most retail drugstores and although they are not a custom fit, they can be comfortable to wear. 

Noise-reduction or Noise-cancelling Headphones: This type of headphone can provide a higher level of noise reduction and may be more comfortable for younger children who may find earplugs challenging to use.

Custom-fit earplugs: Custom-fit earplugs can be molded to your child's ears for optimal comfort and protection. Your local audiologist can help you find the right fit.

Taking these simple steps to protect your child’s hearing, as well as your own, will prevent future damage, allowing you to continue to attend and enjoy many more events together.