Rave Survival 101: Protect your ears!
If you go to events regularly, or know you’re going to be especially close to speakers (like at the front) of an event, then remember to take ear protection.
Hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean that you go totally deaf, but it can often mean that you lose the higher range of your hearing – and can be at risk of tinnitus. Tinnitus is an annoying ringing noise in your ears (think about the noise you hear if you’ve ever had something go bang near your head).
It can seem inconsequential, but over time, it can cause very serious (and irreversible) hearing loss and will prevent you from enjoying music the way that you are meant to. Ear protection can be really small and easy to hide, so you don’t need to walk around looking like a construction worker all the time.
If you think it won’t happen to you, remember this: Zedd, Steve Angelo and Avicii both suffer from hearing damage as a result of too much loud music at events. It’s not just a rock music problem guys!
On a personal note, years of performing and working at clubs (and loud headphones) has left me with a ringing noise in my ears most of the time (so I have no idea what silence sounds like anymore). I also find it really difficult to listen to conversations where there is any background noise at all. Don’t be like me, remember to always wear earplugs and sensible ear protection whenever you attend an event you know is going to be noisy.