New survey finds that the majority of partygoers don’t use ear protection

A recent survey has found that 64% of concert and gig attendees do not wear ear protection. 

The poll, conducted by EDM.com, concluded that 64% of live event attendees don’t wear ear protection at live shows. An alarmingly high number. 

The health protection agency, CDC, has mapped out the conditions that will eventually lead to hearing loss occurrences. The maximum volume level for personal listening devices is 105-110dB, according to their chart, which is also the range for most entertainment venues. 

It takes just five minutes for hearing loss to occur after exposure to this volume level. To give you an idea of how loud average conversation is for comparison – 60 decibels. 

The small sensory hair cells in the cochlea in the inner ear flatten down when the sound level is too high, sending sound nerve impulses to the brain. 

Essentially, if you keep flattening them, they will eventually die and not grow back. Distinct frequencies induce different responses in the sensory hair cells. 

When they’re damaged, you don’t go completely deaf, but you do lose distinct tones across the auditory spectrum, which is generally the mid and high frequencies. 

Prolonged exposure can cause tinnitus or a perceived ringing in the ears. CDC suggests the following: 

● Staying clear of the loudest sound production source 

● Limiting the length of time exposed to the source 

● Wear hearing protection – Earplugs 

For musicians, custom earplugs can be obtained free of charge from the Musicians Hearing Health Scheme. Details can be found HERE.