Enjoy the Sounds of Summer Without the Risk of Hearing Loss
- alexwhit103
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Fairs, music festivals, carnivals, and fireworks shows are among the most joyful events of the year. The music, laughter, cheering crowds, and rumble of rides create an atmosphere that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable. But amidst all the fun, it’s easy to overlook how these loud environments can harm your hearing—sometimes permanently. Loud noises are one of the leading causes of preventable hearing loss. The good news? With a little preparation and awareness, you can fully enjoy these events while keeping your ears safe.
Why It Matters: The Hidden Risks of Loud Events
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and prolonged exposure to anything above 85 dB can cause hearing damage. Here’s some perspective:
85 dB = heavy city traffic
100–110 dB = live concerts or rides
120–150 dB = fireworks up close
At these volumes, damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Unfortunately, hearing loss from noise exposure is often gradual and permanent—you might not notice it until it’s too late.
1. Bring Proper Ear Protection
Why it matters: Ear protection reduces the volume of incoming sound to a safe level without blocking your ability to enjoy music or conversation.
What to use:
Foam earplugs: Inexpensive and available at any drugstore. These reduce sound by about 20–30 dB. Great for one-time use.
Musician’s or high-fidelity earplugs: These maintain the clarity of sound while reducing volume. Ideal for music lovers and frequent festivalgoers.
Over-ear earmuffs: Best for children or people sensitive to sound. Some models are collapsible and easy to carry in a bag or stroller.
Pro tip: Always keep a pair of earplugs in your bag or car—you never know when a noise-heavy environment will pop up.
2. Stay Back from Speakers and Loud Machinery
Why it matters: The closer you are to a sound source, the more intense the volume. Moving even a few feet away can reduce the sound level dramatically.
What to do:
Avoid standing directly in front of concert speakers or DJ booths.
Stay at a safe distance from generators, carnival rides, or food truck engines, which can produce loud mechanical noise.
For fireworks, choose a viewing spot that’s further away from the launch site. The experience will be just as magical—and much safer for your ears.
Pro tip: Sound levels drop by roughly 6 dB every time you double your distance from the source.
3. Take Quiet Breaks Throughout the Day
Why it matters: Your ears need time to recover from loud environments. Constant noise exposure can fatigue your hearing system and increase your risk of damage.
What to do:
Step away from loud areas every 30–60 minutes. Find a quieter spot, like a food court, shaded area, or your car.
Use this time to hydrate, relax, and recharge—not just your body, but your ears too.
If you feel a ringing in your ears (called temporary tinnitus), it’s a sign you need a break.
Pro tip: Schedule your day to include natural breaks between loud attractions. You’ll enjoy the event more and preserve your energy.
4. Keep Personal Device Volume in Check
Why it matters: If you’re using earbuds or headphones while waiting in line, walking between venues, or relaxing after the event, you could be adding even more strain to your ears—especially if the volume is turned up to compete with background noise.
What to do:
Follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
Choose noise-canceling headphones to avoid the temptation of blasting music to drown out surrounding noise.
Take listening breaks, especially before or after attending a loud event.
Pro tip: Set your phone’s volume limit in settings to prevent accidental spikes.
5. Protect Children’s Hearing
Why it matters: Children’s ears are more sensitive than adults’, and early exposure to loud noise can cause long-term hearing issues.
What to use:
Child-sized over-ear earmuffs designed to fit snugly and comfortably. They come in fun colors and are easy to carry.
Avoid bringing very young children too close to loud stages, fireworks, or high-volume attractions.
Pro tip: Turn hearing protection into part of the fun! Let kids choose earmuffs they like and explain how they’re part of staying safe—just like sunscreen or a seatbelt.
Bonus Tips for Hearing Aid Users
If you wear hearing aids, fairs and festivals can still be a blast—with a few extra precautions:
Adjust settings for noisy environments. Many modern hearing aids come with “noisy environment” or “concert” modes.
Use hearing aid apps to make real-time adjustments as needed.
Bring your charger or spare batteries, especially for day-long events.
Pack a waterproof case in case of sudden rain or humidity.
Use wind reduction features or wear a hat to help shield your devices outdoors.
Pro tip: Talk to your hearing care provider about festival-friendly features you may not be using yet.
Final Thoughts: Let the Good Times Roll—Safely
Fairs and festivals are all about sound—the music, the laughter, the cheers, and yes, even the screams from the rollercoaster. Protecting your hearing doesn’t mean missing out; it means making sure you can enjoy those sounds for years to come.
With the right tools and a little planning, you can fully immerse yourself in every magical moment—without risking your hearing.
At Beltone, we’re here to help you stay connected to life’s loudest joys while protecting your ears every step of the way. Stop in before your next big event to explore hearing protection options, device settings, and more!
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