Blog
Ear, News / July 14, 2025
By Sanjeev M. Balamohan, MD & Brendan Hardy, MD
Summer is here, and with it come outdoor concerts, festivals, and fireworks. While these events are a highlight of the season, they can also put your hearing at risk. If you don’t protect your ears at concerts and festivals, that ringing or fullness you feel afterward isn’t just annoying—it could be an early sign of hearing damage.
The good news? There are simple ways to enjoy loud music safely and prevent hearing loss from concerts. Whether you’re a casual listener or a frequent festivalgoer, it’s never too late to start using ear protection for concerts and keep your hearing healthy for years to come.
Even one loud concert can trigger permanent hearing changes. But more often, it’s the cumulative effect of repeated exposure over time. Our ears are delicate, and once damage occurs, it’s irreversible.
How loud is too loud? 📱 Pro tip: Use your Apple Watch or smartphone’s decibel meter to check. Sounds above 85 dB can damage hearing if you’re exposed for too long. Many concerts exceed 100 dB, where even 15 minutes is risky without protection.
✅ Start with foam earplugs – available at most drugstores or sometimes free at venues.
✅ Upgrade to Loop earplugs (around $20–30 on Amazon). They’re designed to lower sound evenly across all frequencies, so music still sounds great—just safer.
✅ For the best fit and protection, consider custom earplugs. These are molded to your ears for maximum comfort and performance. Perfect for frequent concertgoers or anyone serious about protecting their hearing.
If you’re experiencing persistent ringing (tinnitus) or muffled hearing after a loud event, don’t wait. These could be early signs of hearing loss. A hearing test can help us assess the situation and recommend next steps.
Don’t let loud music steal your hearing. ✔️ Grab a set of earplugs for your next concert. ✔️ Visit us at ENT Center for custom-molded earplugs and a professional hearing check.
📞 Call us at 847-685-1000 to schedule an appointment with us. Your future self will thank you.
Wonderful office staff and doctor. Very professional and accommodating. Really care about the patient.
The doctor and the staff were all nice and professional. I was seen within the first five minutes of showing up. I got quality care and review of my concerns.
Actually takes the time to talk to you and figure out your concerns.
