How to maintain your hearing through the festive season

It's that point of yr again. Wells are being dusted, tents aired and bags packed in anticipation of this summer's many music festivals.

While music festivals provide an ideal opportunity to see your favorite artists and bands together, listening to music at such a loud volume for hours on end can damage your hearing. Fortunately, taking just a couple of easy precautions will help protect your hearing – allowing you to benefit from the festive scene now and for years to return.

We only have one pair of ears to last a lifetime – so we want to guard their delicate machinery from damage. One a part of our ears that is especially delicate are the hair cells situated within the cochlea (a small fluid-filled organ within the inner ear that converts vibrations into nerve impulses). This Microscopic hair Exposure to loud noises could cause damage – and this The damage is irreversible.

The key consider whether or not loud noise damages our ears is the “dose” of noise you're exposed to. Dose consists of two components: sound intensity and duration.

Loudness of sound Measured using the decibel scale (dB), which measures sound intensity from the quietest sound we will hear. This is a logarithmic unit, which suggests that a rise of 3dB equals a doubling of sound energy and intensity. So an 88dB sound is twice as loud as an 85dB sound.

Sound intensity is just not something we will easily measure without equipment – ​​so watch out with smartphone apps as they are sometimes inaccurate. But if you’ve to shout to be heard two meters away ( The so-called “run” test), the sound might be loud enough to be a possible hazard.

Another factor is duration, which could be very easy for us to find out.

For context, UK Occupational Noise Exposure Guide 85dB sound exposure is appropriate (reminiscent of a Food blender Walking about eight hours a day, five days every week.

Using this information together with what we find out about sound intensity, we will determine how long we’re protected to be exposed to other sound intensities. Since every 3dB increase in sound intensity halves the appropriate exposure time, this implies 88dB of sound (equal to The sound of heavy traffic) will thus be admissible for 4 hours. A sound level of 91dB could be acceptable for under two hours.

The UK Health and Safety Executive recommends that sound levels at festivals and concert events Does not exceed 107dB. Anywhere within the audience area. This could be a “safe” level to take heed to for about 2-3 minutes.

Event organizers are also advised to provide public warnings if there are levels. Expected to exceed 96dB.. Assuming this level is met, it provides a “safe” duration of about half-hour to an hour.

So with the potential risks involved, here's what you’ll be able to do to take care of your hearing this festive season:

1. Take regular breaks.

Similarly one would work in a loud environment. Take regular breaksit is best to attempt to take breaks from the noise where you’ll be able to. Find a quiet spot between seats so you’ll be able to rest your ears.

There is not any hard and fast rule for a way long or how often it is best to take breaks. But in case your hearing feels weak otherwise you hear ringing or humming (tinnitus), you've probably already overgrown your ears and will take a break.

2. Wear ear protection.

This advice is particularly relevant during multi-day festivals. Anything from universal foam earplugs to custom-fitted musicians' earplugs will help.

But when exploring your options, keep a couple of things in mind. First of all, you don't actually need to purchase high-powered earplugs, as that may compromise how well you’ll be able to enjoy music. Remember, only a 3dB decrease in intensity doubles the exposure time. So assuming a 94dB average sound level, 3dB plugs will extend listening time to a “safe” two hours. Earplugs rated at 6dB will extend listening time by as much as 4 hours.

But use a industrial product, and definitely not homemade earplugs (like cotton, which does little aside from create a funny look). Commercial products have to be proven to dam noise when properly fitted.

Hearing protection is particularly vital for kids, as evidence suggests they could have a lower threshold for “safe” exposure. It is really helpful for kids. Use hearing protection. All the while listening to loud music. They should wear hearing protection that completely covers their ears (ear protectors).

3. Keep your distance

Sound waves obey the inverse square law. By doubling your distance from the source (speaker), the intensity is reduced by an element of 4 (so 6dB) – quadrupling the protected listening time.

If you've hammered your ears a bit of, stepping back into the group for a song or two could make a huge impact in your exposure. You should too Never get closer than 3m. to a speaker.

4. Watch how much you drink.

Some evidence suggests that alcohol makes us less sensitive to loud sounds (although our ears can). Still will be harmed by it). This signifies that because the day goes on (depending on the quantity you've engaged in), you'll probably be less aware of how loud the music is – and should not move or must. Take a break.

Evidence also suggests that alcohol consumption could cause earaches. More susceptible to noise damage This could also be very true for individuals who have a Flushing reaction When drinking alcohol (flushing of the face)

We still don't fully understand the effect of alcohol here but enough to suggest some awareness, in addition to distancing yourself from the stage and wearing earplugs is a great idea.

The old adage of all the pieces carefully holds true here. Taking sensible precautions means you’ll be able to enjoy music festivals now and for years to return.