how dangerous are concerts and do ear plugs work? [Archive]

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Arienette

04-26-2002, 04:28 PM

so i go to a lot of shows, and have been for years. recently, when i go, the other people come out with their ears ringing and not being able to hear hardly, but i'm just fine. i think that's probably a bad thing. especially at some of the smaller venues, the speakers are right up next to you and really loud. so, my first question is - how dangerous is this to your hearing?

second, for the past few concerts i've gone to, i've been wearing ear plugs. i was wondering how effective they are in preventing hearing damage from this kind of noise.

thanks :)

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This message was edited by Arienette on 4-26-02 @ 8:31 PM

Ryan the Great

04-26-2002, 04:38 PM

i went to see bad religion once and i had a high pitched ringing in my ear for weeks, i think its still there ive just grown used to it, i can still hear it if there is no other sounds.

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This message was edited by Ryan the Great on 4-26-02 @ 8:39 PM

nickeye

04-26-2002, 06:35 PM

What?

Ryan the Great

04-26-2002, 06:45 PM

funny nickeye

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cheezeemee

04-26-2002, 07:57 PM

Yes Arienette. Ear plugs do work. I wore them to the ACDC and KISS concerts at the Continental Arena and had no problems with my hearing.

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HordeKing1

04-27-2002, 05:06 PM

ARIENTTE - Any loud persistent noise can cause perminent sensimotor hearing loss. It can also cause "tinnitus," which is the medical term for hearing a ringing noise when none is present.

Even a one time exposure to really loud noise can be harmful and cause damage, although it's much less likely to occur. This was beautifully demonstrated in Saving Private Ryan, when many soldiers suffered temporrary hearing loss from sounds of artilery bombardment, grenades and even rifle shots.

To answer your first question, exposure to music or other really lound noises can cause permenant hearing loss and tinnitus. (It's one reason why all Navy Personel on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier wear hearing protectors.

Regarding your second question, ear plugs CAN work really well, but you have to make certain you're getting the right kind. Look for the decibel level they're rated for. Obviously, the ones protecting you from the loudest noises are better.

I have hearing protection that works great on a firing range - wearing them, imakes such an enormous difference that it's like night and day.

Then there are the ear plugs my wife wears because (she claims) I snore at night. They have a much lower rating.

Generally get the best protection (rated by decible level) you can afford and that you feel comfortable wearing.

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