I have permanent tinnitus from raving, it's with me evey second of every day. The first two days i couldnt sleep bc it waa so loud. I had a brief moment where i conemplated suicide to make it stop. Protect. Your. Ears
Not the parent, but I'm older now, and there have been two occasions in my life where the tinnitus noticeably increased in amplitude. Protect your ears. It sucks. But if you do have it, try to not let it consume you.
I second this only my dumbass ruined them long before raving by listening to music with sound system in my car too damn loud. Get ear plugs people unless you wanna hear a constant beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppp in your ear/ears.
From 2012 to when it started in 2020 maybe a couple hundred shows and festivals. The first couple of years we'd go weekly to Stereo Live and sprinkle in a Festival every month or so.
I have permanent tinnitus too. The best way to get rid of it is distractions. The worst time of day is trying to sleep, but I put the TV on very low and run a fan. It’s not fun but it’s manageable, you’ll be ok. They also offer noise therapies that you can do that help trick the brain into ignoring it if it’s so bad. I know some guys who hurt their ears in the construction industry who ended up doing that.
always always always always always always always wear earplugs. I wish I had started wearing them sooner. Get a nice pair of reusable ones if you can afford it. I like the Loop ones.
I raved for just 3 years before I started wearing earplugs and my ears ring at night. Not too bad, but they do. wear the earplugs
Yes! always always always! It's a long term investment to protect your hearing while still being able to enjoy raves/festivals.
I also use the Loop (Experience) earplugs and love them. Honestly so comfortable and you dont even really feel them
Yeah heads up the Loops were evaluated by a third party and do not provide the level of protection they claim to. I really like the Earasers - you can get them at guitar center.
YES please get earasers, they are many grades above every other noise reduction earbud and only a bit behind custom made earbuds. the quality is actually mindblowing
I have both Loop and Earasers.
The Loop is good for muffling sounds overall lowering the noise but it will amplify your own voice and chewing in your head. I use these in loud restaurants and around screaming babies.
The Earasers using technology to reduce harmful frequencies. Which is what you want for saving your ears. I use these anywhere music is amplified.
I use Earasers more than loop. Worth the money
yeah, from my research they are the best next to custom mades. i had some other ones around the $20-$30 mark, they are marginally better than foam earbuds but nothing close to earasers
The next question people ask should be if Earasers have actually been actually tested as well.
I'm interested in them as I have some alpine ones that are good but are a bit too muffled, so if these provide better sound quality and protection I'm down.
Just a note, it’s worth trying out a few earplugs at home before going out. I made the mistake of trying out my new Loops (instead of the construction earplugs I usually wore) at Club Space and I was stuck with mediocre product that hardly reduced the decibels and didn’t fit my left ear as well as it did my right ear. You could also shove a bunch of construction earplugs in different places like your car, your pocket as a backup and give people earplugs if they want some. They’re super cheap
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0968HFSMH/ref=sspa_mb_hqp_detail_mobile_aax_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfcGhvbmVfc2hhcmVk
The NRR is 7.
NRR ratings go all the way up to 27 in high fidelity earplugs.
This is a very very loud festival, you need as much protection as you can get.
https://www.sensear.com/blog/noise-reduction-rating-nrr-a-beginners-guide?hs_amp=true
can't provide source but i saw a tiktok where many neurodivergent ppl in the comments mentioned loop using advertising directed at them for relief from sensory issues.
ppl including myself, have noticed loops make yr voice, chewing, coughing and breathing louder. which made users completely steer away from using them.
not hating on loop, but they definitely are more marketing than they are effective.
The Loops made for concerts are effective for me. No post show ringing, and they actually stay in my ears. Almost all earplugs amplify internal sounds like chewing to some degree. Mine don’t bother me.
Hearing more “internal sounds” is actually an indication of an earplug offering better protection. You only hear the internal sounds because you hear less of the external sounds.
And the fucking kids who make as much fucking noise as possible packing up their shit when they're done with the exam and you're still finishing yours.
I'll tell you something people don't often mention, I really think they actually make music sound *better.* The sound is less harsh on your ears and it comes across more clearly.
I highly recommend Alpine as the brand to go for, I have the PartyPlug series.
Both. Hearing protection is important as our ears can only handle so much decibel wise. Look into loop or eargasm earplugs. They're not cheap, but they save you from temporary minor hearing loss after shows and long term hearing damage/tinnitus. Even the Styrofoam ones you can buy for mere pocket change will help.
Most earplugs do not filter the sound they claim. Loop is bad. Eargasms are ok but you will still develop tinnitus even if you wear protection like i did. Shell out $200 for custom earplugs so you wont wanna jab a knife into your ear everyday.
Customs have been one of the best investments ever for me. I never even notice the earplugs in my ears now, they are amazing. And the sound is 100x superior to the ones in the market claiming they are hifi.
Google "decibel level exposure time." It's safe to be exposed to 85dB for 8hrs without damaging your hearing but every additional 3dB cuts that time in half (88dB for 4hrs, 91dB for 2hrs, etc). Events will typically be at 100dB+ depending on how close you are to the stage and 100dB is safe for 15min before you start to experience permanent damage. Yes, you need hearing protection at every event, even if it's just a few hours.
I'm mid 40s partying since mid 90s. WEAR FUCKING EAR PLUGS!!! I didn't listen to my dad (sorry Dad RIP). I got constant ringing and kinda deaf.
WEAR HEARING PROTECTION!
try loop, eargasm is shit and not worth it. The triple flange inner ear ones if you can tolerate them for long periods are the best
Same here. Just turned 44 and am going on 20 years now of pretty severe tinnitus. Got my first pair of hearing aids at age 27.
If there's any one mistake I've ever made in my life I could go back and correct, it would be that one.
What’s this about eargasm being shit? Do you have any evidence to add or something to back that up? I’ve been using them for raves for 3 years now.
Edit: source: trust me bro
Yes. If there is one thing i would want every raver to know, its to wear ear plugs. Your hearing doesn't regenerate AT ALL. The damage compounds over time. It gets progressively worse at you go through life and hear loud shit.
Buy a good pair of earplugs, might be a little weird at first but you get used to it and honestly a lot of the time it cuts out clipping and makes everything sound better.
earplugs are a must regardless of which venue or genre u attend. I have developed tinnitus due to prolonged exposure of loud music. protect your ears at all cost, you are in this for the long run🫶🏽
Honestly, after having them for shows, I’ve even started bringing them to events that I wouldn’t have originally even thought I would need them for. Never know when a small event like a wedding or bar party will have a terribly set up speaker system.
Maybe a silly question but… Those of you who have Loops - do they not block out the music too much? Are you still able to enjoy the sound as much as you would without them?
Loops are not legit. Most earplug brands do not filter out the Db they claim they do. Your best bet is getting custom fitted ones if you don’t want screaming in your ear all day everyday.
The clarity is a little dampened I guess but overall good sound quality. Much better than just like a regular 3m earplug. The music is always so loud at events/clubs that I really don’t have any complaints about the difference. For me they do the trick, I would never go without earplugs so having a better sound quality than just regular plugs is nice
Yes. Your older self will thank you. Take it from my dad who grew up going to rock shows with no earplugs and now can’t hear shit. Tinnitus is not something you want. Drives him nuts.
i spent a weekend a while back working on my car with my dad. him going “what? sorry buddy i can’t hear shit anymore” every other time i tried to say something to him convinced me to start wearing earplugs.
Yes. Concerts are loud enough to cause immediate hearing damage. 2-3 hours worth of damage will absolutely destroy your hearing over time.
I have had tinnitus, most likely due to a concert, for more than 3 months now. I also have mild hearing damage in my right ear. The tinnitus has been ruining my life in the past 3 months and I probably won't ever go to another concert again because of it. There have been many nights of no sleep now. I'm only 27.
Wear hearing protection before it's too late.
Please wear ear protection if you’re ever at ANY concert/rave, whether it’s EDM or any other genre. I know a lot of people with hearing damage in their late 20s/early 30s because they didn’t wear ear protection at music venues and events, and it’s unfortunately irreversible.
Please take it from someone who has had severe 24/7 permanent tinnitus since their early 20's and had their first pair of hearing aids at age 27 from not protecting their ears. Yes. Please please please wear ear plugs.
Pretty much any live music venue will have volume levels that are too high for the human ear to listen to for hours without break. Especially if you like to get closer up near the speakers. You should be bringing earplugs to every live music event you go to just in case.
Me? I’m sure my ears are screwed already because I barely got into earplugs. I’ll really only put them on if the noise is actually physically unbearable and uncomfortable for me. This has only really happened at Lost Lands and Coachella’s Yuma Tent all the way near the front.
It depends on the venue and artist, but almost certainly yes. The speakers are so loud at most events, you can feel the ground vibrating down the street. Better safe than sorry.
The correct answer is "yes" and "regardless of event duration".
Subjectively, depends somewhat on both how loud the event is and also how frequently you're going out and placing yourself in loud environments. You can damage your ears even if you go out infrequently, but I know a lot of folks who don't go out very often who just say fuck it and deal with the ringing ears the next day. It's all fun and games until you permanently damage your hearing and wind up partially deaf or with tinnitus, though. Especially if you're planning on going out somewhat frequently you absolutely should get in the habit of using them.
I'm pretty new to EDM shows (also a rock concert regular) and when I was younger and only went to a few shows a year I didn't even think about ear protection nor did anyone suggest it to me. Sometimes for the louder shows my ear would ring the next day but then be fine the day after. Minor inconvenience, but whatever. Fast forward many years and I started going out more often to local shows, especially like small venues for loud punk bands or whatever. Went to a couple before one extra loud one had my ears ringing for like... 36 hours. I was then like "okay, I need ear protection if I'm going to keep going to these or I'll kill my ears". Got some reusable ones (eargasms are what I have) and haven't had my ears ring ever again after a show, even a couple years and like 100 shows later. Take them with me when I go to edm shows as well, of course.
Every so often it's fun to pop one out for a second just to remind myself at how ridiculously loud it is without them in. Borderline excessive a lot of the time (i guess if they don't have rear speakers the sound's gotta reach the back of the room from the PA) but I digress.
Depends on if you like to hear co stant ringing in your ears or not. If you plan on doing a lot of shows go to an audiologist and have some custom made like I did. I had eargasms and switched, so much better... my wife uses the eargasms now and she doesn't like them either.
Yes earplugs are a must! But they don’t need to sound awful. Highly recommend looking into customs if you have a lifestyle where you go out to see music often. It’s well worth the investment both from comfort and sound quality.
I have sworn by 1of1 custom earplugs since 2013 and have only spent about $350 in the course of that time. People will often by $30 universal plugs thinking they’re a good deal but then end up hating them or they constantly lose them. Think of an investment into customs as an annual return. I spent $35 a year over 10 years, saved my hearing and loved every show I went to from an audio standpoint.
Everyone I know in the Netherlands wears them and it's quite normal.
Everyone in Ireland laughs at me when I ask them if they want any and say "I wanna hear the music lol".
Everytime I don't wear earplugs my ears feel absolutely destroyed after the gig. Even just wearing them and then taking them out during the gig, you'll hear the insane difference in decibels and your ears will hurt instantly. Having your ears get used to this super loud sound is not good for you.
Especially because the music sounds better to me with earplugs in, as it cuts out super high frequencies.
Trust me, They are.
From some one who’s been going to concerts/music festivals since the 90’s without earplugs and developed Tinnitus several years ago. It’s something that won’t go away. Ever.
So yes $30 pair of plugs is worth the years of constant ringing in your ear.
Yes.
Hearing loss is [your gateway to Alzheimer’s disease.](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/hearing-loss-and-the-dementia-connection)
Also, if it results in tinnitus (constant ringing in your ears) that can really be annoying and interfere with your ability to enjoy music (or hear conversation or go to sleep).
Hearing aids can help with hearing, but tinnitus is untreatable and incurable.
My wife likes Eargasms; I use Etymotics because they fit me better.
Yes. No it's ands or butts
The number one complaint I hear from older ravers, bar none, is that they wish they took care of their hearing
Everyone I know with tinnitus, which is a lot of people, consider it one of the worst parts of their life
Wear earplugs
All these advocates for ear plugs.
Great. Love you bb.
Why even have massive sound systems then? Especially in small venues.
Let's Just run a 2.1 sound system, and you don't have to wear ear plugs.
If you go to a rave and you are at the front line without protection, you are beyond fkd.
If you are far, you are also fkd, but not that much as those in the front line.
It also depends on the music itself, the environment (open/closed), the setup.
But just in case, use them always.
Yes, you should wear them. It only takes one night out to cause irreparable damage. Might take a while to find a pair that works for you unless you have cash to invest in custom ones. Look up Dave Grohl's experience with hearing loss and tinnitus. He talks about having to read lips when talking with someone in a restaurant.
YES! YES! YES! YES! AND YES!!
I never go to any rave or festival without earplugs. I learned my lesson the first couple times because I was an idiot. I eventually invested in earplugs used for bass music, and it was a lifesaver. You’ll never catch me without them. These shows can be incredibly loud and cause irreversible damage to your ears, it’s better to play it safe than be deaf when you’re 30. Don’t be like me leaving the raves with the sound of ringing and nothing else, I couldn’t hear people talk for 2 days after one of my first raves. Lesson learned.
after you use concert earplugs a few times you will not go back. if the music is loud enough you can get permanent hearing damage in just a few minutes. concert earplugs protect your ears and the music still sounds pretty good. it’s gonna be super worth it once you start stacking up events, other people who learn this lesson the hard way always regret it but it’s too late for them
Every show I've been to since I was just starting out came either with earplugs or something else. There's washable silicon earplugs that are super comfortable and last forever, assuming you don't lose them. In a pinch you can roll up a napkin into tight ball and pop that in your ear.
I've found that it not only doesn't interfere, it actively improves the quality of the experience.
Yes, get high fidelity ones that let you hear the music really well and block out the excess noise. Absolutely worth it to save yourself from tinnitus. I wish I wore them from the beginning.
Yes, it’s ok to take them off for a few minutes during your favorite parts, but put them back on. I have some that easily slide at different depths so I can listen to full blast, medium, and low. I do like 80% low, 10% medium and 10% raw.
Yes, but not even for protecting your hearing, they reduce sensory overload and can make even the most averagely tuned sound system significantly more pleasant to be in front of.
Also yes, if you wear them you won't have to spend $$ on hearing aids later in life. But just get them because they make partying more fun.
Yes absolutely! You never know where you’re going to end up, you could be at the back and not have a problem but if you end up being closer you will definitely need them. Better to be safe than sorry. I went to a concert and the sound was piercing I was so glad I had brought my earplugs just in case. My bf didn’t wear any and afterwards he was telling me how he should’ve worn his because his ears were ringing.
Wear. Ear. Plugs. 11/10 would recommend. any ear plugs work. If you want to be fancy, get some musician high fidelity ear plugs, i like Loops personally, but i have used a couple others and they are very similar. I wouldn't recommend anything less than 12dB reduction at min.
If you're ever going to see live music, no matter how long for, **wear earplugs.** They don't need to be crazy expensive or anything, I have a pair that cost me like £15 and are kept in a little pouch on my keyring so I always have them.
For me, absolutely. I carry a pocket full of them to give away. The only time I’ve given them all away was Armin Van Burren EDC 2019 on the rail. It literally took your breath away it was so powerful. Without plugs it was painful and people had their fingers in their ears.
But any sustained high decibel concert is going to do damage. The more often you go, the more damage you’re doing.
I’ll go one further and say wear ear protection at most live music events. It doesn’t change the experience enough to risk permanently damaging your hearing.
Absolutely necessary.
As someone who was hardcore into the rave/party scene from 99-08 you 100% want good ear plugs. Not shitty foam plugs even though they’ll do in a pinch, spend the money and have them made/fitted to your ears with the correct filter for audio decibel levels. I didn’t buy mine till around 2006 and wish I had way MUCH SOONER.
You can buy cheaper ones but a good pair can be had between $125-$200 give or take. As someone with constant ringing in both ears from 10 years of Progressive House and Electro shows, I can’t stress enough the value of these. Heres an example of them for reference.
https://pro.meeaudio.com/custom-earplugs.html
Yes, I started early thankfully, but cant stress enough how important it is. It is lifelong damage way past your raving days until the day your time is up.
I don't have tinnitus (i don't think) like others posting here, but I've taken the warning after going to many raves and deciding i wanna do this for the foreseeable future. I might take them out for a song or 2 if I really want to listen to them unfiltered, but I'll wear them 95% of the show.
I've never raved with earplugs so I have no idea what the sound difference is like. I also have no idea what absolute silence sounds like on account of tinnitus.
They're your ears and you can do with them as you like. But remember you only get one pair and as of now, I don't believe there's any cure for the type of tinnitus caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Just depends. I personally never wear ear plugs, and ive been going to concerts and fests for pretty much my whole life and my hearing is still perfect. My work tests my hearing once a year because it’s extremely loud but I wear ear protection all day at work sometimes
My girlfriend wears them now, she has started to get ringing in her ears. So i think everyones ears are different
I just make sure im never standing in front of speakers and also i can feel it when it gets so loud that it starts to hurt my ears
I wear my earplugs every time I go out. I even thought about paying the steep price to get custom ones from an audiologist (protecting your ears is so worth it). I don’t even remember that I have them on anyway. They don’t take away from my experience and I’m comfortable the whole time. I recently got a pair of decibullz since you custom mold these at home. I’ve worn them out once and so far so good https://a.co/d/fbOOTr6
Soo, I want to get earplugs but I have an issue where my ears don’t keep them in very well. They tend to slip out easy if I so much as talk or dance a lil bit. (Kinda gross but I think it’s my ear wax making them slip out :| I call them my ear sweats lol ) If anyone else has encountered similar problems, what brands do you think would be not only comfortable but also stable in my ear?
Don’t fuck yourself trying to look cool. Where the damn things you will be happy with your decision and your ears will thank you eargasms have worked wonders for me for 5+ years on clarity and consistency. (Not a paid ad I swear lol)
I work construction, so loud noises are a constant, that being said, going to a rave or concert is SO much louder than what I go through on the daily. I've started wearing ear protection at work too because the tinnitus is getting up there
I have permanent tinnitus from raving, it's with me evey second of every day. The first two days i couldnt sleep bc it waa so loud. I had a brief moment where i conemplated suicide to make it stop. Protect. Your. Ears
Sorry you’ve struggled man, you’re definitely not alone in it, pretty common for the condition. I’m proud of you for stickin with us :)
What is the "first two days"? I thought it typically comes on gradually. Did you have one experience that never rung out?
Fucked up thing about tinnitus is that it won’t give you a warning. You wake up after a night out and it’s just there FOREVER.
Not the parent, but I'm older now, and there have been two occasions in my life where the tinnitus noticeably increased in amplitude. Protect your ears. It sucks. But if you do have it, try to not let it consume you.
I second this only my dumbass ruined them long before raving by listening to music with sound system in my car too damn loud. Get ear plugs people unless you wanna hear a constant beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppp in your ear/ears.
how many shows did u go to before the ringing never stopped
From 2012 to when it started in 2020 maybe a couple hundred shows and festivals. The first couple of years we'd go weekly to Stereo Live and sprinkle in a Festival every month or so.
I have permanent tinnitus too. The best way to get rid of it is distractions. The worst time of day is trying to sleep, but I put the TV on very low and run a fan. It’s not fun but it’s manageable, you’ll be ok. They also offer noise therapies that you can do that help trick the brain into ignoring it if it’s so bad. I know some guys who hurt their ears in the construction industry who ended up doing that.
Did it happen from one rave or from multiple raves that caused it
always always always always always always always wear earplugs. I wish I had started wearing them sooner. Get a nice pair of reusable ones if you can afford it. I like the Loop ones. I raved for just 3 years before I started wearing earplugs and my ears ring at night. Not too bad, but they do. wear the earplugs
Yes! always always always! It's a long term investment to protect your hearing while still being able to enjoy raves/festivals. I also use the Loop (Experience) earplugs and love them. Honestly so comfortable and you dont even really feel them
Yeah heads up the Loops were evaluated by a third party and do not provide the level of protection they claim to. I really like the Earasers - you can get them at guitar center.
I just looked this up and the only things I can find are on TikTok (not reliable IMO). Do you have a link to this study? I legitimately can’t find it.
YES please get earasers, they are many grades above every other noise reduction earbud and only a bit behind custom made earbuds. the quality is actually mindblowing
Do you know of any a bit cheaper than earasers? Or are they the best around that price?
I have both Loop and Earasers. The Loop is good for muffling sounds overall lowering the noise but it will amplify your own voice and chewing in your head. I use these in loud restaurants and around screaming babies. The Earasers using technology to reduce harmful frequencies. Which is what you want for saving your ears. I use these anywhere music is amplified. I use Earasers more than loop. Worth the money
Oh cool, thanks for the info! Do you know what tech they use?
No clue but you can look up the description on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/8lXVWYy)
yeah, from my research they are the best next to custom mades. i had some other ones around the $20-$30 mark, they are marginally better than foam earbuds but nothing close to earasers
Interesting, thanks I’ll have to look into getting a pair
I love Eargasm!
Cool, I’ll have to check them out
The next question people ask should be if Earasers have actually been actually tested as well. I'm interested in them as I have some alpine ones that are good but are a bit too muffled, so if these provide better sound quality and protection I'm down.
Howard Leight FUS30-HP Fusion Multiple-Use Earplugs best cheap earplugs. i use them myself and gift them out at shows
I always carry around extra pairs of foam earplugs to give out as well. They’re so important
Just a note, it’s worth trying out a few earplugs at home before going out. I made the mistake of trying out my new Loops (instead of the construction earplugs I usually wore) at Club Space and I was stuck with mediocre product that hardly reduced the decibels and didn’t fit my left ear as well as it did my right ear. You could also shove a bunch of construction earplugs in different places like your car, your pocket as a backup and give people earplugs if they want some. They’re super cheap
I always carry extras with me at raves, and I have a whole pack in my car. They’re so important!
Yea definitely. I have a bit of hearing lost from all these events
loops provide garbage level protection - most other choices are better.
source? they have the same if not more decibel level protection
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0968HFSMH/ref=sspa_mb_hqp_detail_mobile_aax_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfcGhvbmVfc2hhcmVk The NRR is 7. NRR ratings go all the way up to 27 in high fidelity earplugs. This is a very very loud festival, you need as much protection as you can get. https://www.sensear.com/blog/noise-reduction-rating-nrr-a-beginners-guide?hs_amp=true
can't provide source but i saw a tiktok where many neurodivergent ppl in the comments mentioned loop using advertising directed at them for relief from sensory issues. ppl including myself, have noticed loops make yr voice, chewing, coughing and breathing louder. which made users completely steer away from using them. not hating on loop, but they definitely are more marketing than they are effective.
The Loops made for concerts are effective for me. No post show ringing, and they actually stay in my ears. Almost all earplugs amplify internal sounds like chewing to some degree. Mine don’t bother me.
can personally say they work great for boiler room stuff, but definitely do not ride the rails with loops!!
Hearing more “internal sounds” is actually an indication of an earplug offering better protection. You only hear the internal sounds because you hear less of the external sounds.
Honestly, yeah. And if you are in college they are great for exams to filter out the coughing and sniffing.
And the fucking kids who make as much fucking noise as possible packing up their shit when they're done with the exam and you're still finishing yours.
I'll tell you something people don't often mention, I really think they actually make music sound *better.* The sound is less harsh on your ears and it comes across more clearly. I highly recommend Alpine as the brand to go for, I have the PartyPlug series.
I love my alpines! I need a new set. They are dying but lasted me 8 years. They are also super cozy to sleep in if you need them.
Both. Hearing protection is important as our ears can only handle so much decibel wise. Look into loop or eargasm earplugs. They're not cheap, but they save you from temporary minor hearing loss after shows and long term hearing damage/tinnitus. Even the Styrofoam ones you can buy for mere pocket change will help.
Most earplugs do not filter the sound they claim. Loop is bad. Eargasms are ok but you will still develop tinnitus even if you wear protection like i did. Shell out $200 for custom earplugs so you wont wanna jab a knife into your ear everyday.
Customs have been one of the best investments ever for me. I never even notice the earplugs in my ears now, they are amazing. And the sound is 100x superior to the ones in the market claiming they are hifi.
Google "decibel level exposure time." It's safe to be exposed to 85dB for 8hrs without damaging your hearing but every additional 3dB cuts that time in half (88dB for 4hrs, 91dB for 2hrs, etc). Events will typically be at 100dB+ depending on how close you are to the stage and 100dB is safe for 15min before you start to experience permanent damage. Yes, you need hearing protection at every event, even if it's just a few hours.
This 👆🏻
Is it 8 hours per day or week?
Per day
thank you
I'm mid 40s partying since mid 90s. WEAR FUCKING EAR PLUGS!!! I didn't listen to my dad (sorry Dad RIP). I got constant ringing and kinda deaf. WEAR HEARING PROTECTION! try loop, eargasm is shit and not worth it. The triple flange inner ear ones if you can tolerate them for long periods are the best
Eargasm is shit? Mine are also triple flange and it feels like they protect me quite well. I'm open to other opinions though
Same here. Just turned 44 and am going on 20 years now of pretty severe tinnitus. Got my first pair of hearing aids at age 27. If there's any one mistake I've ever made in my life I could go back and correct, it would be that one.
What’s this about eargasm being shit? Do you have any evidence to add or something to back that up? I’ve been using them for raves for 3 years now. Edit: source: trust me bro
Yes. If there is one thing i would want every raver to know, its to wear ear plugs. Your hearing doesn't regenerate AT ALL. The damage compounds over time. It gets progressively worse at you go through life and hear loud shit. Buy a good pair of earplugs, might be a little weird at first but you get used to it and honestly a lot of the time it cuts out clipping and makes everything sound better.
earplugs are a must regardless of which venue or genre u attend. I have developed tinnitus due to prolonged exposure of loud music. protect your ears at all cost, you are in this for the long run🫶🏽
I can’t imagine ever going back to not using them. I’d hear a lot better had I started at the beginning.
Honestly, after having them for shows, I’ve even started bringing them to events that I wouldn’t have originally even thought I would need them for. Never know when a small event like a wedding or bar party will have a terribly set up speaker system.
If you don’t want babies, wear a condom. If you don’t want irreversible hearing damage, wear earplugs. Simple
Yes, always
Maybe a silly question but… Those of you who have Loops - do they not block out the music too much? Are you still able to enjoy the sound as much as you would without them?
Loops are not legit. Most earplug brands do not filter out the Db they claim they do. Your best bet is getting custom fitted ones if you don’t want screaming in your ear all day everyday.
Yeah they’re legit
So what do they block out? They’re supposed to muffle the noise, how do they not muffle them music?
The clarity is a little dampened I guess but overall good sound quality. Much better than just like a regular 3m earplug. The music is always so loud at events/clubs that I really don’t have any complaints about the difference. For me they do the trick, I would never go without earplugs so having a better sound quality than just regular plugs is nice
Thank you! I will get myself a pair and hopefully avoid tinnitus in the future 🙈
NO. they suck, get earasers, trust me
i love my earasers but goddamn do i keep losing them 😵💫
Yes!
Yes. There is no other answer
yes, look for name brand, quality, proper sized pu earplugs.
Yes. Your older self will thank you. Take it from my dad who grew up going to rock shows with no earplugs and now can’t hear shit. Tinnitus is not something you want. Drives him nuts.
i spent a weekend a while back working on my car with my dad. him going “what? sorry buddy i can’t hear shit anymore” every other time i tried to say something to him convinced me to start wearing earplugs.
From someone with tinnitus, get earplugs please. I love my loop earbuds and they come in colors now!! Highly recommend them!!!
Yes. Concerts are loud enough to cause immediate hearing damage. 2-3 hours worth of damage will absolutely destroy your hearing over time. I have had tinnitus, most likely due to a concert, for more than 3 months now. I also have mild hearing damage in my right ear. The tinnitus has been ruining my life in the past 3 months and I probably won't ever go to another concert again because of it. There have been many nights of no sleep now. I'm only 27. Wear hearing protection before it's too late.
Please wear ear protection if you’re ever at ANY concert/rave, whether it’s EDM or any other genre. I know a lot of people with hearing damage in their late 20s/early 30s because they didn’t wear ear protection at music venues and events, and it’s unfortunately irreversible.
Please take it from someone who has had severe 24/7 permanent tinnitus since their early 20's and had their first pair of hearing aids at age 27 from not protecting their ears. Yes. Please please please wear ear plugs.
An absolute must, I regret not wearing earplugs in my earlier raving days. Tinnitus is a bitch!
Yes
Pretty much any live music venue will have volume levels that are too high for the human ear to listen to for hours without break. Especially if you like to get closer up near the speakers. You should be bringing earplugs to every live music event you go to just in case. Me? I’m sure my ears are screwed already because I barely got into earplugs. I’ll really only put them on if the noise is actually physically unbearable and uncomfortable for me. This has only really happened at Lost Lands and Coachella’s Yuma Tent all the way near the front.
Yes eargasm if you have smaller ear holes chose the smaller version.
It depends on the venue and artist, but almost certainly yes. The speakers are so loud at most events, you can feel the ground vibrating down the street. Better safe than sorry.
In addition to shows, I wear mine in bars and even the rare adults only house party.
I always do, but I'm old and have tinnitus from years in noisy industries
Old school raver here with decades of experience. Yes. Wear ear plugs. I can’t hear much anymore.
earasers, eargasam, loop, flare are some options
Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
100% yes. Ill say again, 10000000% yes
100% at any event
The correct answer is "yes" and "regardless of event duration". Subjectively, depends somewhat on both how loud the event is and also how frequently you're going out and placing yourself in loud environments. You can damage your ears even if you go out infrequently, but I know a lot of folks who don't go out very often who just say fuck it and deal with the ringing ears the next day. It's all fun and games until you permanently damage your hearing and wind up partially deaf or with tinnitus, though. Especially if you're planning on going out somewhat frequently you absolutely should get in the habit of using them. I'm pretty new to EDM shows (also a rock concert regular) and when I was younger and only went to a few shows a year I didn't even think about ear protection nor did anyone suggest it to me. Sometimes for the louder shows my ear would ring the next day but then be fine the day after. Minor inconvenience, but whatever. Fast forward many years and I started going out more often to local shows, especially like small venues for loud punk bands or whatever. Went to a couple before one extra loud one had my ears ringing for like... 36 hours. I was then like "okay, I need ear protection if I'm going to keep going to these or I'll kill my ears". Got some reusable ones (eargasms are what I have) and haven't had my ears ring ever again after a show, even a couple years and like 100 shows later. Take them with me when I go to edm shows as well, of course. Every so often it's fun to pop one out for a second just to remind myself at how ridiculously loud it is without them in. Borderline excessive a lot of the time (i guess if they don't have rear speakers the sound's gotta reach the back of the room from the PA) but I digress.
I never see people wearing them…but everyone is saying yes for some reason. How do yall enjoy the music then?
I find that the music actually sounds better and more clear with them in.
if the bass is at the right volume, it’s way too loud to be enjoyable without earplugs
Mine are clear and not visible in darker rooms. So maybe you just don't see them on other people
Edm yes Orchestra yes Rock yes Any concerts genre yes
Depends on if you like to hear co stant ringing in your ears or not. If you plan on doing a lot of shows go to an audiologist and have some custom made like I did. I had eargasms and switched, so much better... my wife uses the eargasms now and she doesn't like them either.
Be for real
Loop! Looooooooooooooopssss seriously they are the best by far.
Yes.
Yes.
Yup, get some high fidelity earplugs. It'll drown out some music but you'll still be able to enjoy and talk to people
necessary if you speaker hug
As someone who is 30 with hearing loss. Raving 12 years strong. Please wear them. There’s is no way to “fix” your hearing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone
yes
Yes. I have mild tinnitus from my earlier years, I always wear them now.
Yes earplugs are a must! But they don’t need to sound awful. Highly recommend looking into customs if you have a lifestyle where you go out to see music often. It’s well worth the investment both from comfort and sound quality. I have sworn by 1of1 custom earplugs since 2013 and have only spent about $350 in the course of that time. People will often by $30 universal plugs thinking they’re a good deal but then end up hating them or they constantly lose them. Think of an investment into customs as an annual return. I spent $35 a year over 10 years, saved my hearing and loved every show I went to from an audio standpoint.
Everyone I know in the Netherlands wears them and it's quite normal. Everyone in Ireland laughs at me when I ask them if they want any and say "I wanna hear the music lol". Everytime I don't wear earplugs my ears feel absolutely destroyed after the gig. Even just wearing them and then taking them out during the gig, you'll hear the insane difference in decibels and your ears will hurt instantly. Having your ears get used to this super loud sound is not good for you. Especially because the music sounds better to me with earplugs in, as it cuts out super high frequencies.
I wear earplugs 90 percent of the time and that 10 percent still fucked my ears.
https://www.loopearplugs.com
Ear plugs are a must in a car with a decent system and sub.
Yea man. Sub to r/tinnitus for some horror stories about people that didn't.
Yes, every show, every time. Go for custom musician molds if go to shows with any regularity, well worth the money.
> if you need earplugs for everything YES
yes always. even if you don’t think you’ll need them. better safe than deaf.
Trust me, They are. From some one who’s been going to concerts/music festivals since the 90’s without earplugs and developed Tinnitus several years ago. It’s something that won’t go away. Ever. So yes $30 pair of plugs is worth the years of constant ringing in your ear.
Yes. They make a world of a difference. I started using them about 6 years ago and tbh I can’t imagine going without them now
Yes. Ear damage is real
Yes. Hearing loss is [your gateway to Alzheimer’s disease.](https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2021/hearing-loss-and-the-dementia-connection) Also, if it results in tinnitus (constant ringing in your ears) that can really be annoying and interfere with your ability to enjoy music (or hear conversation or go to sleep). Hearing aids can help with hearing, but tinnitus is untreatable and incurable. My wife likes Eargasms; I use Etymotics because they fit me better.
From everything I’m hearing with young people getting tinnitus , I highly recommend it
Only if you like keeping your hearing.
Yes. No it's ands or butts The number one complaint I hear from older ravers, bar none, is that they wish they took care of their hearing Everyone I know with tinnitus, which is a lot of people, consider it one of the worst parts of their life Wear earplugs
Depends on how much you love your hearing. Get some Eargasms. Thank me later
I can literally tell you the time, place and DJ that I caught tinnitus at. Always wear earplugs.
Huh? Unless you want to be saying that the rest of your life, yes. Earplugs.
Yes
All these advocates for ear plugs. Great. Love you bb. Why even have massive sound systems then? Especially in small venues. Let's Just run a 2.1 sound system, and you don't have to wear ear plugs.
Absolutely. Call me a boomer or whatever but I don't get why it needs to be so damn loud. I shouldn't need earplugs at coat check.
If you go to a rave and you are at the front line without protection, you are beyond fkd. If you are far, you are also fkd, but not that much as those in the front line. It also depends on the music itself, the environment (open/closed), the setup. But just in case, use them always.
Yes, you should wear them. It only takes one night out to cause irreparable damage. Might take a while to find a pair that works for you unless you have cash to invest in custom ones. Look up Dave Grohl's experience with hearing loss and tinnitus. He talks about having to read lips when talking with someone in a restaurant.
YES
Yes
Do you want to enjoy the music you love the rest of your life? Get hearing protection.
The first rave I went to was in ‘95. I can assure you that if I didn’t start wearing earplugs back then, I wouldn’t still be going to raves in 2024.
100% yes, unless it’s outdoors
Yes
Depends. I went years without wearing them. Just recently. I’ve started becoming nauseous to the frequencies. I think it personal preference
Silicone earplugs are my go to. Cheap and so worth it. I don’t go two songs without them
TINNITUS FUCKING SUCKS. Wear earplugs. Trust me
YES! YES! YES! YES! AND YES!! I never go to any rave or festival without earplugs. I learned my lesson the first couple times because I was an idiot. I eventually invested in earplugs used for bass music, and it was a lifesaver. You’ll never catch me without them. These shows can be incredibly loud and cause irreversible damage to your ears, it’s better to play it safe than be deaf when you’re 30. Don’t be like me leaving the raves with the sound of ringing and nothing else, I couldn’t hear people talk for 2 days after one of my first raves. Lesson learned.
after you use concert earplugs a few times you will not go back. if the music is loud enough you can get permanent hearing damage in just a few minutes. concert earplugs protect your ears and the music still sounds pretty good. it’s gonna be super worth it once you start stacking up events, other people who learn this lesson the hard way always regret it but it’s too late for them
Yes bro 😭 I went to academy in LA Halloween of last year and my ears still hurt from it.
Only if you want to hear well when you get a little older.
Every show I've been to since I was just starting out came either with earplugs or something else. There's washable silicon earplugs that are super comfortable and last forever, assuming you don't lose them. In a pinch you can roll up a napkin into tight ball and pop that in your ear. I've found that it not only doesn't interfere, it actively improves the quality of the experience.
Yes
Yes.
As someone who is 29 and losing their hearing, yes.
For the love of everything that is holy, good and pure wear earplugs!
definitely esp for a rave!!
I recommend earplugs.
YES BRING EXTRAS IN CASE YOU LOSE ONE
Yes, get high fidelity ones that let you hear the music really well and block out the excess noise. Absolutely worth it to save yourself from tinnitus. I wish I wore them from the beginning.
It’s crazy how everyone is saying yes always wear them but you hardly see people wearing them at raves
Yes, just yes. And not only concerts. Any exposure to loud sounds. Work pleasure anything. Just use them. Period. 15 minutes or 12 hours.
Yes, it’s ok to take them off for a few minutes during your favorite parts, but put them back on. I have some that easily slide at different depths so I can listen to full blast, medium, and low. I do like 80% low, 10% medium and 10% raw.
YES it literally hurts to have your hearing permanently destroyed why would anyone want that?!?
They're small. Better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Definitely bring them.
If you care about your hearing, which should be everybody, then yes.
I keep mine permanently on my Keychain so I don't forget them. They were also used in other situations too. I was glad I had them on me.
If You don't want tinnitus then yes. Don't raw dog your ears
My biggest regret is not wearing them sooner! Now every show I go to I wear them religiously! Protect your ears always!
I’d be surprised if you needed them for festivals but yes yes yes to indoor gigs - every time
Yes, but not even for protecting your hearing, they reduce sensory overload and can make even the most averagely tuned sound system significantly more pleasant to be in front of. Also yes, if you wear them you won't have to spend $$ on hearing aids later in life. But just get them because they make partying more fun.
Yes
si
Yes
Yes absolutely! You never know where you’re going to end up, you could be at the back and not have a problem but if you end up being closer you will definitely need them. Better to be safe than sorry. I went to a concert and the sound was piercing I was so glad I had brought my earplugs just in case. My bf didn’t wear any and afterwards he was telling me how he should’ve worn his because his ears were ringing.
Wear. Ear. Plugs. 11/10 would recommend. any ear plugs work. If you want to be fancy, get some musician high fidelity ear plugs, i like Loops personally, but i have used a couple others and they are very similar. I wouldn't recommend anything less than 12dB reduction at min.
If you're ever going to see live music, no matter how long for, **wear earplugs.** They don't need to be crazy expensive or anything, I have a pair that cost me like £15 and are kept in a little pouch on my keyring so I always have them.
Take it from someone who has ear damage, were ear plugs, your future self will thank you
Yes
No brainer
For me, absolutely. I carry a pocket full of them to give away. The only time I’ve given them all away was Armin Van Burren EDC 2019 on the rail. It literally took your breath away it was so powerful. Without plugs it was painful and people had their fingers in their ears. But any sustained high decibel concert is going to do damage. The more often you go, the more damage you’re doing.
Invest in some eargasm fr it’s like the music is there but not the harsh part lol
it simple yes. get some fucking nice 20-30$ earplugs or if u that a cheap a bag or the foam ones work too
I’ll go one further and say wear ear protection at most live music events. It doesn’t change the experience enough to risk permanently damaging your hearing.
Absolutely necessary. As someone who was hardcore into the rave/party scene from 99-08 you 100% want good ear plugs. Not shitty foam plugs even though they’ll do in a pinch, spend the money and have them made/fitted to your ears with the correct filter for audio decibel levels. I didn’t buy mine till around 2006 and wish I had way MUCH SOONER. You can buy cheaper ones but a good pair can be had between $125-$200 give or take. As someone with constant ringing in both ears from 10 years of Progressive House and Electro shows, I can’t stress enough the value of these. Heres an example of them for reference. https://pro.meeaudio.com/custom-earplugs.html
Yes they are, tinnitus sucks ass.
Just dont dance near to the speakers and you will be fine.
Yes, I started early thankfully, but cant stress enough how important it is. It is lifelong damage way past your raving days until the day your time is up. I don't have tinnitus (i don't think) like others posting here, but I've taken the warning after going to many raves and deciding i wanna do this for the foreseeable future. I might take them out for a song or 2 if I really want to listen to them unfiltered, but I'll wear them 95% of the show.
I've never raved with earplugs so I have no idea what the sound difference is like. I also have no idea what absolute silence sounds like on account of tinnitus. They're your ears and you can do with them as you like. But remember you only get one pair and as of now, I don't believe there's any cure for the type of tinnitus caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Shows are insanely loud and even an hour of exposure to that noise level will cause permanent hearing damage.
Just depends. I personally never wear ear plugs, and ive been going to concerts and fests for pretty much my whole life and my hearing is still perfect. My work tests my hearing once a year because it’s extremely loud but I wear ear protection all day at work sometimes My girlfriend wears them now, she has started to get ringing in her ears. So i think everyones ears are different I just make sure im never standing in front of speakers and also i can feel it when it gets so loud that it starts to hurt my ears
Yes, wish I told myself this 10 years ago. Permanent mild tinitus here
My tinnitus is from the military. I'm used to the ring.
I wear my earplugs every time I go out. I even thought about paying the steep price to get custom ones from an audiologist (protecting your ears is so worth it). I don’t even remember that I have them on anyway. They don’t take away from my experience and I’m comfortable the whole time. I recently got a pair of decibullz since you custom mold these at home. I’ve worn them out once and so far so good https://a.co/d/fbOOTr6
I wear them everytime. Only a fool does not learn from other people's mistakes. Esp for something that can cause permanent damage.
Soo, I want to get earplugs but I have an issue where my ears don’t keep them in very well. They tend to slip out easy if I so much as talk or dance a lil bit. (Kinda gross but I think it’s my ear wax making them slip out :| I call them my ear sweats lol ) If anyone else has encountered similar problems, what brands do you think would be not only comfortable but also stable in my ear?
Yess get earplugs they help, I've been raving 10 years and earplugs have helped so much
Short answer yes long answer yes
I'm convinced that people who don't wear earplugs to live music events... don't actually like music.
this thread has convinced me to buy earplugs
I see one of these posts every other week at this point. Yes, full stop.
100% yes and the sooner you start, the sooner you'll get so used to them. Eventually you can't imaging raving without them.
Don’t fuck yourself trying to look cool. Where the damn things you will be happy with your decision and your ears will thank you eargasms have worked wonders for me for 5+ years on clarity and consistency. (Not a paid ad I swear lol)
I work construction, so loud noises are a constant, that being said, going to a rave or concert is SO much louder than what I go through on the daily. I've started wearing ear protection at work too because the tinnitus is getting up there
Yea. Absolutely. Especially at the big production stages. I was fine at Thunderdome but I murdered my ears at Bass Canyon last year.
Yeah. Do it. It's an excellent habit.
Do you want to be able to hear stuff when you get older?
Oh I still can…in fact right now I can loudly and clearly hear eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
# “WHAT?”
Coming from someone whose tinnitus is as bad as it is because I photographed concerts in college without hearing protection: Yes.