When you have hearing loss, one of the things you might be avoiding is going to a music festival or live music events. The music can often feel muddy and, combined with the crowd noise, is difficult to distinguish. Hearing aids are one of the best ways that you can enjoy open-air concerts and big musical gatherings. There are a couple of things that can help you make the most of your music experience.
Venue Map
Almost all live music will have accommodations for those with hearing aids and hearing loss. Look for caption screens on the map or inquire directly with the organizer about the provisions made for hearing loss and hearing aids. In some cases, the organizers will have a loop system fitting for those with hearing conditions so that you can get an optimal experience. With a loop system, the sounds will be transmitted directly to the hearing aid, and it cuts out the rest of the festival sounds.
List
If the music festival you are attending is far away, make a list of everything you need to take with you to take care of your hearing aid and protect your ears while you are away. Waterproof earplugs, cleaning brushes, a waterproof case for your hearing aids and a spare battery are a great start. Keep in mind that many festivals have a bag size and check policy, so checking the list to make sure you can take a larger back for this equipment is essential. Further, contact the organizer to ensure that everything you need is acceptable.
Earplugs
Something that is surprising to most people is that those who wear hearing aids don’t always need them at festivals and live music events. Instead, it is possible to swap to earplugs that are designed for live music. They filter out crowd noise while allowing the sounds of the musicians and even conversation to be transmitted.
Switching to earplugs is a smart way to protect your hearing and save the battery on your hearing aid too! An alternative to earplugs is turning down the volume on the hearing aid to a comfortable level. You can also use earmuffs that are designed for use at music festivals to dampen the loudness – it all depends on what you are comfortable with. Talk with your hearing instrument specialist about earplugs and earmuffs and if they are right for you.
Cleaning
Some music festivals last a few days, and in the heat and open air, your hearing aid is going to be exposed to more sweat and dirt than on a typical day. Taking a small pack of cleaning tools is a good idea. A small brush for dust, a detailing brush, a cloth and some antibacterial wipes are great ideas for a kit that won’t weigh too much. Remember to clean the area that your hearing aid sits on in and around the ear too. And the first thing to do when you get home is to give them a thorough clean.
Rest
It is recommended that everyone listening to live music gives their ears a rest periodically throughout the festival. Doing this can help prevent further hearing loss. Noise exposure to ears is cumulative, so continued loud noise without rest will have an impact. In the lead-up to and after the festival, give your ears a rest. Check the map for the venue or the location and look for spaces that are away from the speakers and stage so you can take regular breaks.
Location
Music lovers or big fans of artists will want to stand as close as possible to the stage. But this is where most of the sound is, so if you do this, you’ll need to protect your hearing and either use earplugs or reduce the sound on the hearing aid – and take regular breaks. It is preferable, though, to look for somewhere in the middle where the sound isn’t as intense, but you can still enjoy the general atmosphere and music too!
Advice
Before going to a festival, it is a great idea to go to your hearing instrument specialist. They will be able to give you practical advice and information on how to take care of your hearing aid and hearing while at a festival so that you can enjoy it to the fullest! Call Audio Hearing Aid Service at 330-244-9881 or 330-364-6637 to discuss your hearing needs.
