Hearing Loss and the Concert-Goer

Portland has long been acknowledged as a hub for musicians, and nationally-recognized bands are constantly emerging from our local scene. With such a breadth of talent, it is no surprise that our local venues are often packed with enthusiastic music aficionados. However, live music can come at a cost, as the noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss. As residents of Portland, we embrace our music scene. But as hearing health providers, we strive to educate our community on the importance of hearing conservation. Many advanced forms of custom hearing protection allow you to enjoy all the sounds of a live performance, without allowing damage from dangerous frequencies.

When hearing professionals encourage the use of hearing protection, many assume this means the use of foam earplugs. These plugs can be helpful in blocking out unwanted frequencies, but they can also muffle or alter the sound experience. To state it plainly, those earplugs are old school. Advancements in hearing technology have lead to much more effective hearing protection that won’t compromise sound quality.

For over 25 years, professional musicians have been enjoying the benefits of custom musicians earplugs. These earplugs use high-fidelity technology to process incoming sounds and replicate them at a reduced volume. This helps to keep the original quality of the sound intact, while protecting your ears from harmful sound levels. These devices come in different filter strengths, depending on the needs of the wearer. In order to effectively protect the ear from any dangerous noise levels, an audiologist will create a custom impression of the ear to ensure the musicians plug fits tightly in the canal.

If you enjoy performing or listening to live music, schedule a consultation with one of Oregon’shearing loss specialists. They will perform a baseline hearing test to determine your current hearing abilities and provide you with options for custom hearing protection. Addressing your hearing health at an early age will prevent hearing loss. Treatment options for the hearing impaired have advanced greatly in the past decade; however, conservation is still the best way to ensure you’re able to enjoy music for years to come.