Outdoor Concerts, Festivals and Hearing Health: Protecting Your Ears This Summer

Summer in North Atlanta is synonymous with music festivals, outdoor concerts and lively community events. There’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family to enjoy your favorite bands under the open sky. But while these experiences create lasting memories, they can also put your hearing at risk, especially when it comes to prolonged exposure to loud music.

At North Atlanta ENT & Allergy (NAENTA), we want everyone to enjoy the sounds of summer safely. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your ears at outdoor concerts and festivals, including tips for safeguarding your children’s hearing.

Why Ear Protection Matters

Our ears are delicate organs, and once hearing is damaged, it often cannot be restored. Loud music at concerts and festivals can reach levels well above what’s considered safe. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB), about the volume of heavy traffic, can cause permanent hearing loss. Many concerts, especially those with amplified music, can easily exceed 100 dB, which can damage hearing in as little as 15 minutes.

Children are especially vulnerable. Their ear canals are smaller, making them more susceptible to damage from loud sounds. Plus, young children may not be able to communicate discomfort or understand the need for ear protection. That’s why it’s crucial for parents and caregivers to take extra precautions at loud events.

Tips for Preventing Hearing Loss 

1. Know the Safe Listening Levels
   • Sounds at or below 70 dB are generally safe.
   • Limit exposure to sounds above 85 dB. If you need to raise your voice to be heard by someone three feet away, the noise level is probably too high.
2. Use Ear Protection
   • Foam Earplugs: Inexpensive and widely available, these reduce sound levels by about 20-30 dB.
   • High-Fidelity Earplugs: Designed for music lovers, these protect your ears while preserving sound quality.
   • Protective Heaphones for Kids: Specially designed headphones provide a comfortable, effective way to protect children’s ears at concerts and festivals.
3. Keep Your Distance
   • The closer you are to speakers or the stage, the louder the sound. Try to find a spot further back, where the volume is lower but the music is still enjoyable.
4. Take Listening Breaks
   • Give your ears a rest by stepping away from the music every hour or so. This is especially important for young children, whose ears are more sensitive.
5. Monitor Your Ears After Events
   • If you notice ringing, buzzing, or muffled hearing after an event, these could be signs of temporary hearing loss. While this often resolves within 24 hours, repeated exposure can lead to permanent damage.

Don’t Forget About Lawn Mowers and Other Outdoor Equipment

Summer isn’t just about concerts and festivals, it’s also prime time for yard work. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other outdoor power tools can generate noise levels between 85 and 100 dB, which is loud enough to cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure. If you mow your lawn weekly or spend time using other noisy equipment, it’s important to protect your ears just as you would at a music event.

Tips for Yard Work Hearing Safety:

• Always wear hearing protection, such as protective headphones or foam earplugs, when operating loud equipment.
• Keep children and pets indoors or at a safe distance while mowing or using power tools.
• If possible, use electric or battery-powered equipment, which tends to be quieter than gas-powered models.
• Take breaks to give your ears a rest, especially during extended yard work sessions.

By making hearing protection a habit during yard work, you’ll help preserve your hearing health all year long.

Setting a Good Example for Kids

Children learn by example. If they see adults using ear protection, they’re more likely to follow suit. Make earplugs or protective headphones a fun part of your family’s concert or festival routine, let your kids help pick out colorful options or decorate their own ear protection.

When to Seek Help

If you or your child experience ongoing ringing in the ears (tinnitus), trouble hearing conversations, or pain after exposure to loud noises, it’s important to consult an ENT specialist. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and address any underlying issues.

Enjoy the Music—Safely!

Summer concerts and festivals are all about having fun and making memories. By taking simple steps to protect your ears, you can enjoy the music while preserving your hearing for years to come. At NAENTA, we’re here to help you and your family stay healthy and safe—so you never have to miss a beat.