Best ear protection for concerts and festivals 2024
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Q: how do you like your music?
If the answer is ‘the louder the better’, you may be doing untold damage to your ears. Sorry to be a party pooper.
Our hearing holes are some of the body's most sensitive parts, with the inner ear made up of ultra-sensitive canals that can be irreversibly damaged if exposed to super-loud music for prolonged or frequent periods. So whether you like to turn the volume right up on your earbuds or love dancing in front of the speakers at gigs, you could be landing your ears in very hot water.
One major consequence is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Once the damage has been done, it can’t be medically or surgically rectified, so prevention is essential.
What decibel is damaging to the adult human ear? And for kids?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anything over 70 dB (decibels, the unit on which sound is measured) over a prolonged time could start to damage adult hearing, while noise over 120 dB can cause instant damage.
For context, the body says "A whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB".
Meanwhile, a House of Lords report using research by the UK Health Security Agency shows that 40 per cent of the population is exposed to harmful levels of noise from road traffic. The data suggests the equivalent of 130,000 healthy life years are lost from noise pollution each year, identifying it, along with light pollution as a 'neglected pollutant'.
For children whose ears aren’t yet fully developed, the danger is heightened. They should wear ear defenders in noisy environments, like firework displays, concerts, sports matches and in areas where there’s building work. Find out more in our guide here.
What can happen with repeated exposure?
A world of pain for your ears awaits. As well as NIHL, over-exposure to loud noise that's over 85 dB can lead to stress and anxiety, as well as difficulty hearing conversation in noisy settings. It can also lead to tinnitus.
What is tinnitus? What are the signs?
It is described by many as a constant ringing, roaring or buzzing sound from inside the ear, even in total quiet. While it can sometimes go away on its own, it usually develops as a result of ageing or being exposed to loud noise. If you experience ringing from inside the ears for longer than three minutes, tinnitus is considered chronic. As it stands, there is no known cure for the condition.
How can you protect your hearing while still enjoying yourself at festivals, sports events and gigs?
While there are laws in the UK on when loud music can be played (not between 11am-7pm), there are no statutory rules on how loud it should be. Live music and gigs can easily exceed 120 dB, which can cause serious damage. So, if you want to keep enjoying yourself at festivals and gigs, consider investing in a set of ear defenders or earplugs. They will muffle the sound, which will be loud enough to hear anyway, dialling it back down to a comfortable volume without dampening your fun.
As we gear up for a summer of live music and events, we’ve rounded up the best ear protection for adults to buy now - and keep the music playing for longer.
Shop below
ProCase Ear Defenders Adult
While these over-ear cans may look like a set of wireless headphones, they are, in fact, ear defenders that are capable of bringing noise down by 34 dB. This makes ProCase’s design ideal not only for festivals but for noisy chores like mowing the lawn and DIY too.
The inexpensive pair comes in a number of other colourways including a look-at-me neon yellow.
3M Peltor Optime I Lightweight Ear Defenders
Offering fun air marshall vibes, these bright yellow ear defenders will shield ears from the worst of noise. The wide cups will fit over a range of ears with cushioning to ensure optimum comfort. Meanwhile, the overhead design means they're less likely to slip out like earplugs would when you're thrashing around in the mosh pit. It can cut decibel levels by up to 27 dB.
Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs
Whether you're a member of a motorcycle club or you live for the moshpit, give your ear health a helping hand with these earplugs.
They can cut noise by 21 dB, potentially bringing it down to safe levels while sitting virtually undetectably in the ears - great news if you're worried about attracting attention with ear defenders.
Each purchase contains two differently sized pairs for lugholes, lined with hypoallergenic silicone for a comfortable fit. You will also get a sturdy aluminium case to keep them in, so there's no excuse not to take them with you to your next event.
Loop Experience High Fidelity Ear Plugs
If you’ve been experiencing constant sleepless nights and interruptions due to noise, say hello to Loop.
Insert and twist these plugs inside your ears with alternating tips in XS, S, M and L so that they stay firmly in place no matter how much you move around at night. They get to work filtering sound and reducing noise, but not entirely and so are ideal if you are concerned about missing your alarm or being able to have some level of hearing.
They also work for concerts, motorcyclists or for better concentration in a busy office setting. This is a durable set that can be reused time after time.
Alpine PartyPlug Ear Plugs
These earplugs are specifically designed for parties, festivals and concerts - basically anywhere with loud music - to protect your ears, especially if you suffer from tinnitus. It keeps noise at a safe volume and you will still be able to make out conversations. The material is soft and hypoallergenic and the plugs are reusable.
EarHub Soft Foam Earplugs
While these foam earplugs from EarHub are not reusable, they can be recycled and returned to the brand via their Zero Waste Box. In return, they will give you a discount on your next order.
They are designed in a T-shape to encourage a better and more secure fit - and once inserted, you'll block out 33 decibels of noise for a more comfortable sound experience. The plugs are discreet and comfortable to the point where you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
Senner MotoPro Reusable Hearing Protection
Senner has created these earplugs for motorcyclists to cut down on the likes of wind and noise that can wreak havoc on your eardrums - but you will still be able to hear traffic for safety reasons. They fit perfectly within the ear but are a breeze to remove and there’s no discomfort as you’re racing through the street, even with all-day use.
EarHub Soft Silicone Earplugs with Aloe Vera 6s
Drown out the sound of your snoring partner with these earplugs from EarHub that are crafted in silicone. Their soft construction moulds to the shape of your ear to form the perfect fit with a soft kind-to-skin aloe vera enriching.
The material is also washable and reusable and they come with a travel case so you can ensure the optimal slumber no matter where you are in the world. They can also be used for swimming but not at depths of more than three metres.
Ear Plugs for Sleep Soft Silicone Earplugs
Why is it that every time you have an important task while working from home, there always seems to be construction happening nearby? Buckle down and reclaim your focus with these silicone earplugs that are created with three layers to cut out noise more effectively.
The material offers a universal fit and is hypoallergenic. You can also wash and reuse them and the colour makes it easy to work out what you have been wearing and when it’s time to switch up. You can also use them when you need a lie-in, at festivals and even swimming.