Outdoor music festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza are popular summer attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands eager for live music and a party atmosphere. The fun, however, comes at a cost: hearing damage.
Why it matters
Prolonged noise exposure—regardless of the source—at or above 85 decibels (dB) leads to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
By the numbers:
- Average sound volume at an outdoor music festival: 90 to 100 dB
- Sound levels inside a festival tent: 95 to 110 dB or more
- Peak noise levels at a 1976 The Who concert: 126 dB
- Peak noise levels at a 2009 Kiss concert: 136 dB
Notable: Outdoor music festivals can be as loud as indoor concerts.
A closer look
Music-induced hearing problems occur when intense noise damages the tiny sensory hair cells in the ear, creating permanent hearing loss. Symptoms of hearing damage include:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Temporary hearing loss
- Sound distortion
- Decreased tolerance for sound
- Pitch distortion that may vary between ears
The challenge: While tinnitus and temporary hearing loss often subside within a couple of days, repeated exposure to loud music increases the likelihood of permanent hearing damage.
What to know
Beyond hearing protection, you can implement these strategies to reduce the risk of hearing loss:
- Move away from speakers
- Avoid loud conversations or shouting
- Take breaks from listening by leaving the stage area
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Avoid exposure to loud noises for at least one day after the festival to give your hearing a chance to recover
The bottom line: Enjoy the music, but protect your hearing with earplugs or earmuffs.
Hearing health starts here
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Don't let hearing loss rob you of the music you love.
