{"id":2140,"date":"2026-06-10T13:36:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T13:36:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/denvermovingchronicle.com\/?p=2140"},"modified":"2026-06-10T13:36:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T13:36:31","slug":"accessorize-with-earplugs-at-this-summers-concerts-so-you-can-enjoy-more-music-in-the-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/denvermovingchronicle.com\/?p=2140","title":{"rendered":"Accessorize with earplugs at this summer\u2019s concerts so you can enjoy more music in the future"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

NEW YORK<\/strong> | When her favorite band took the stage, Kristin Shires was in the front row.<\/p>\n

As the Misterwives started to play, the drums and saxophones blared from the trembling speakers. Shires soaked in the music \u2014 but on the way home, a different sound played in her ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe half hour after the show my ears were like, \u2018Are we okay?’\u201d said Shires, a social media coordinator from Houston. \u201cThere was some ringing going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Concerts offer that rare, visceral opportunity to hear your favorite song sung live \u2014 really really loud \u2014 and scream the lyrics alongside diehard fans. Quieting the music with a pair of earplugs might seem to undermine the whole point.<\/p>\n

But experts say earplugs turn the volume down, not off. And more young people \u2014 Shires included \u2014 are embracing them, taking a simple step to protect their ears for many more concerts to come. To overcome concerns some might have about coming across as a killjoy, there are fashion-forward options with attached earrings and bling that blend the plugs more seamlessly with concert attire.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople think that we are young and invincible, and that\u2019s true to a certain extent,\u201d said Asia Pon, an audiologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, who goes to concerts \u2014 and wears earplugs at them. \u201cBut repeated exposure over time can certainly accumulate and lead to permanent damage in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earplugs protect against long-term hearing damage<\/strong><\/p>\n

It takes a combination of loud noise and time to damage hearing, experts say. Starting at around 85 decibels \u2014 similar to city traffic \u2014 hearing can be damaged with prolonged, hourslong listening. The noise at concerts \u2014 from both the giant speakers and screaming fans \u2014 is often far above that level. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to hurt your ears.<\/p>\n

The inner ear is filled with tiny, fragile hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.<\/p>\n

Pon said to think of the those cells like a field of grass. If trampled once, the blades bend over but eventually stand back up. \u201cBut if you keep walking across that same area again and again, eventually that grass doesn\u2019t bounce back,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Permanently damaged hair cells can lead to longer-term problems like tinnitus and hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Ringing happens when hair cells get temporarily stressed from loud noise. But, listen up: No ringing doesn\u2019t necessarily mean there\u2019s no damage.<\/p>\n

Even a simple pair of earplugs can get the job done \u2014 if they fit<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many concert venues and festivals offer free earplugs at their guest services desk and there are several over-the-counter options at retail and drugstores.<\/p>\n

When picking a pair of earplugs, look for a noise reduction rating, typically labeled NRR on packaging, between 15 and 30 decibels. That strikes a good balance between enjoying the music and protecting the ears.<\/p>\n

If the plugs don\u2019t fit, they won\u2019t do their job \u2014 so make sure to find a snug pair. To insert foam earplugs, Pon said to straighten the ear canal by pulling the ear up and back. Roll the plug up and pinch it tight before inserting it as deep as it\u2019ll go. Then, hold the plug in place with your finger until you feel the plug expand.<\/p>\n

After the plugs are in, look in the mirror and make sure there aren\u2019t large chunks sticking out. Play music or watch TV at home to see how it sounds.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s tough to find snug earplugs at the store, concertgoers can also see an audiologist and get fitted for a custom pair. While more expensive, these typically include filters that are adjustable based on the venue and are reusable. Foam plugs shouldn\u2019t be worn more than once.<\/p>\n

Earplugs don\u2019t make concerts sound worse<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Shires wore her first pair of earplugs to see the alternative pop band Valley, she wasn\u2019t sure what to expect. It took a little adjusting to, but soon everything smoothed out and she could hear the music clearly with some of the crowd noise filtered.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the first few songs, it\u2019s like they weren\u2019t even there. I was just enjoying the show,\u201d she said. Now, she keeps them in a case attached to her keys and has worn them to see many of her favorite artists including Hayley Williams and Taylor Swift. Many of her concert-going friends wear earplugs too, and she gets asked about them by the friends who don\u2019t wear them.<\/p>\n

If your ears feel clogged or muffled or ringing persists in the days or weeks following a concert, consider seeing an audiologist to get a hearing test. Also see a doctor if you experience more severe symptoms like dizziness, pain or ear drainage.<\/p>\n

A slight change to a concert\u2019s sound now can preserve hearing for the future. Audiologist Meaghan Reed with Massachusetts Eye and Ear often sees patients who tell her that music doesn\u2019t sound as clear or natural as it used to.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might have a temporary impact of your enjoyment of the music right now, but it\u2019s offset by saving your ability to hear music in the future,\u201d Reed said.<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute\u2019s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.<\/p>\n

Read more Toon in Wednesday<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Read more Aurora fire rescue officials contain garage blaze, prevent spread to home, neighbors<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Read more Playing hip-hop or Doris Day, older exercise instructors can speak their peers\u2019 language<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK | When her favorite band took the stage, Kristin Shires was in the front row. As the Misterwives started to play, the drums and saxophones blared from the trembling speakers. 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