Easy on the Ears at Jazz Fest

Heading to Jazz Fest? Have a great time and take some simple steps to protect your hearing.  A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2507069 found that the incidence of hearing loss has risen in past years. It is believed that attendance at music festivals and concerts may contribute to this increasing problem which it says has reached “global” proportions.

This tells us that earplug use is effective in preventing temporary hearing loss after loud music exposure.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you head to the ‘Fest:

• Sit at least 10 feet or more away from speakers
• Take breaks in quieter areas. Limit your time around noise.
• Move around the fair grounds to find a quieter spot.
• Avoid having others shout in your ear to be heard. This can cause further harm to your ears.
• Avoid too much alcohol, which can make you unaware of the pain louder sounds can cause.
• Rest your ears for 24 hours after exposure to loud music to give them a chance to recover.

It should come as no surprise that rolled-up napkins or tissues do almost nothing to protect your ears at concerts.

There are two types of earplugs that can offer some real protection.

1) Foam or silicone earplugs help reduce noise and can be purchased at drugstores and retail outlets.  They will muffle sounds and voices but may fit poorly.

2) Custom ear plugs by Westone can be fitted by our audiologists.  They  fit better than foam or silicone ones and do not change the sound quality.  We highly recommend custom fitted earplugs for anyone working around loud noises such as musicians or construction workers.