Attending a music festival, be it SXSW, ACL, or any other event, can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it's important to take steps to protect your hearing. "When do you need hearing protection? Any situation when you have to raise your voice to be heard," says Kristen A. Armstrong, AuD, Audiologist at ARC Medical Plaza Specialty and ARC South 1st Specialty and Pediatrics.
Here are some tips to help keep your ears safe:
- Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones - This will help reduce the volume of the music while still allowing you to enjoy the experience.
- Take breaks - Give your ears a break every so often and move away from the music for a while.
- Move farther away from the speakers - The closer you are to the speakers, the more sound pressure your ears will be exposed to. "Loud music is inevitable at SXSW," says Cristie Jones, AuD, Audiologist at ARC Kyle Plum Creek. "One tip to protect your hearing includes staying at least 10 feet from the speakers."
- Stay hydrated - Dehydration can make you more prone to tinnitus and other noise-induced hearing loss.
- Bring a fan - Cooling your ears off can help reduce the effects of loud noise.
- Get your hearing tested - Regular hearing tests can help you keep an eye on your hearing health and catch any potential problems before they become more serious. "Whether you're 25 or 55, if your hearing is not normal, you have some form of hearing loss," says Angel F. De La Cruz, AuD, FAAA, Audiologist at ARC Round Rock. "At any age, hearing loss should be treated to ensure you can communicate with the world around you."
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience at your next music festival.
Extra protection for musicians and staff
Working in an industry that exposes your ears to loud noises can affect your hearing. This is true for musicians and staff who can experience noise-induced hearing loss. For added protection, consider protecting your hearing with custom-made hearing protection ear molds or ear plugs. Ear molds are custom-made in-the-ear devices that protect your hearing with noise-canceling abilities.
Make an appointment today
ARC Audiologists will assess your hearing needs, conduct comprehensive hearing tests and evaluations, and offer treatment recommendations for hearing loss and other disorders. If indicated from testing, ARC Audiologists can recommend hearing aids or assistive devices that can improve hearing for all ages.
Make an appointment today with an ARC Audiologist. Visit the ARC Audiology web page to see all ARC Audiologists, locations, services provided, and conditions treated.