What are invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids?
If you’ve been told by your audiologist that you may need a hearing aid,
By: admin | May 23, 2025
Spring brings a welcome influx of outdoor activities after months spent indoors – music festivals with live music, baseball stadiums filled with fans and street fairs with competing sounds from every direction. These events deliver the fun and excitement we’ve been waiting for all winter, but they also expose our ears to sound levels that can potentially damage our hearing. What many festival-goers don’t realize is that even temporary exposure to loud environments can have lasting effects on how well we hear in the future.
The sounds that make spring events so energetic – amplified music, crowd noise and announcements over loudspeakers – often reach volumes that put your hearing at risk. While you’re focused on enjoying the moment, your inner ears may be experiencing stress that they can’t communicate until afterward, when you notice ringing or muffled hearing.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between enjoying spring events and protecting your hearing. With some simple precautions and awareness, you can fully participate in all the season’s activities while keeping your ears safe from unnecessary strain. Taking these protective steps now helps ensure you’ll be able to enjoy many more concerts, games and festivals in the years to come.
Hearing begins when sound waves travel through the air and reach the outer ear, which captures and funnels them down the ear canal to the eardrum. The eardrum vibrates in response to these sound waves, and those vibrations are passed along three small bones in the middle ear: the malleus, incus and stapes. These bones amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the cochlea – a fluid-filled, spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. Inside the cochlea, thousands of tiny hair cells move in response to the vibration of the fluid, converting the mechanical energy into electrical signals.
These electrical signals are then carried by the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as recognizable sounds like speech, music or environmental noise. Each part of this process must function smoothly for hearing to occur clearly. Even slight damage to the hair cells or disruptions in the nerve pathways can affect how sound is perceived. Because the auditory system relies on such a precise chain of events, maintaining the health of the ear’s physical structures, nerve function and blood supply is essential for preserving hearing.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when sounds that are too loud or last for too long cause damage to the delicate structures in the inner ear, particularly the hair cells in the cochlea. These hair cells are responsible for translating sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. When exposed to loud sounds, the hair cells bend or even break, which compromises their ability to send these signals to the brain. Unlike some other cells in the body, hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate, meaning that once they are damaged, the loss of hearing is permanent.
The extent of the damage depends on both the loudness and the duration of the noise exposure. Sounds above 85 dBs, which is roughly the volume of city traffic or a lawnmower, can begin to cause hearing damage if a person is exposed for extended periods. Sounds at or above 120 dBs, like a rock concert or a jet engine, can cause immediate damage to the hair cells. Over time, repeated exposure to high levels of noise can result in cumulative damage, leading to progressive hearing loss. This gradual loss of hearing can affect both high and low frequencies, making it harder to understand speech and recognize sounds in the environment.
In addition to direct damage to the hair cells, prolonged exposure to loud noise can also affect the blood vessels in the ear. These vessels are responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the cells that maintain hearing function. When the ear is exposed to loud noise, these blood vessels may constrict or become damaged, reducing the blood supply to the cochlea and further contributing to hearing loss. This is why hearing damage caused by noise is often both mechanical (due to damaged hair cells) and physiological (due to compromised circulation).
Noise-induced hearing loss can be especially problematic because it often develops gradually, meaning the signs of damage may not be immediately noticeable. People may first notice difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds or have trouble understanding speech in noisy environments. Over time, the loss becomes more pronounced, and it can be difficult to reverse. This makes prevention essential – wearing ear protection in noisy environments and limiting exposure to loud sounds can help protect the sensitive structures within the ear and preserve hearing for the long term.
Spring festivals are a wonderful way to enjoy the season, but they also come with a loud reality. From live music performances to carnival rides, food trucks and cheering crowds, these events can generate noise levels that might not only be uncomfortable but also harmful to your hearing. Noise-induced hearing damage can occur at sound levels as low as 85 dBs, and many of the activities at these festivals can easily exceed that threshold. For instance, live music concerts, particularly those featuring amplified sound systems, can reach up to 110 dBs or more, while the noise from rides like roller coasters or loudspeakers at festivals can push this even higher.
The risk is especially significant because people often spend long periods exposed to these high noise levels without ear protection. Continuous exposure to loud sounds can gradually damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss over time. Many festivalgoers may not even realize the level of exposure they’re experiencing, as the noise might feel like part of the excitement of the event. However, prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dBs can cause irreversible damage to hearing, particularly if you are in close proximity to speakers or music stages.
Spotting dangerous sound levels during festivities requires understanding the risks associated with different noise sources. Many common activities at events, like concerts, fireworks displays and crowded outdoor areas, can expose your ears to harmful sound levels. If you find yourself needing to shout over the noise to be heard, or if your ears begin to feel uncomfortable, that’s a sign that the volume may be too high and your hearing could be in danger.
To spot dangerous sound levels, be aware of your surroundings and listen to your body. If you feel discomfort in your ears or hear ringing or muffling sounds after being in a noisy environment, it’s a clear indication that the sound levels were too intense. Using a smartphone app with a decibel meter can help you measure the noise in real-time, giving you a more accurate assessment of the environment. If possible, take breaks in quieter areas to reduce cumulative exposure and protect your hearing.
Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming in the ears. For some, it’s a minor annoyance that comes and goes, while for others, it can be persistent and disruptive to daily life. Tinnitus is not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue, such as hearing loss, exposure to loud sounds, ear injuries or circulatory system problems. The sound can vary in pitch and intensity and might be present in one or both ears. While it doesn’t cause hearing loss, tinnitus often accompanies it, particularly when inner ear damage is involved.
You may be at higher risk of developing tinnitus if you’re frequently exposed to loud environments without adequate hearing protection. Concertgoers, construction workers, musicians and anyone using loud machinery regularly are particularly vulnerable. It can also result from earwax buildup, certain medications or underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure. If you notice persistent ringing or unusual sounds in your ears – especially after noise exposure – it’s a good idea to consult an audiologist. Identifying the cause early on can help manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening over time.
If you’ve been exposed to loud noise at events like concerts, festivals or fireworks displays, and you notice ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or difficulty understanding speech afterward, it may be time to consult an audiologist. Temporary hearing changes or discomfort can occur after exposure to high sound levels, but if these symptoms persist for more than a day or two, it’s essential to have your hearing evaluated. The longer you wait to address any potential damage, the more difficult it may be to manage the effects on your hearing. An audiologist can assess the extent of the damage and help you understand the best course of action to preserve and protect your hearing.
Additionally, if you find that you frequently experience hearing difficulties or ear discomfort after exposure to loud environments, it’s worth seeking professional guidance. Even if your symptoms seem mild or temporary, repeated exposure to loud noise can lead to cumulative damage over time, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss. An audiologist will perform comprehensive testing to identify any early signs of hearing loss and can offer personalized strategies for prevention and treatment.
The right hearing protection can make all the difference when you’re attending a loud festival or concert. Earplugs are one of the simplest and most effective tools available. A good pair doesn’t just block sound – it lowers the volume to safer levels without ruining the experience. High-fidelity earplugs are a solid choice for music lovers, as they’re designed to reduce volume evenly across frequencies. This means you’ll still hear music and voices clearly, just at a safer level.
Not all earplugs are created equal, so it’s worth thinking through what matters most to you. Foam plugs are inexpensive and widely available, but they can sometimes muffle sound more than necessary. Silicone options offer a balance between comfort and clarity. Custom-molded earplugs, while more expensive, offer the best fit and highest level of consistent protection – ideal for those who attend multiple loud events each year. Whichever type you choose, comfort and fit should be priorities, especially if you plan to wear them for hours.
Pay attention to the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which gives you a general idea of how much sound the earplugs can block. A higher NRR means more protection, but even high-rated earplugs aren’t a free pass to stand next to the speakers all night. Take breaks in quieter areas when possible and give your ears a rest between performances. The right hearing protection – combined with a little awareness – helps you enjoy every part of the festival while taking care of your long-term hearing health.
Spring events should leave you with great memories – not long-term hearing problems. Whether you’re heading to a concert, a game or a weekend festival, a little planning can go a long way. Wearing hearing protection, stepping away from the loudest areas now and then and knowing your limits can make all the difference. Your ears work hard to bring you the music, cheers and conversations that make these moments special. Taking care of them ensures those moments keep sounding just as good in the future.
If you’re noticing any lingering ringing, dullness or changes in how you hear after noisy outings, it’s worth checking in with an audiologist. The team at Hearing and Tinnitus Center in Westminster, CO is available at (720) 420-7780 to help assess your hearing health and recommend ways to protect it moving forward. Getting ahead of potential issues now means you’re not only protecting your hearing – you’re protecting your ability to fully enjoy everything spring has to offer.
Tags: hearing loss prevention tips, hearing protection services
If you’ve been told by your audiologist that you may need a hearing aid,
By: admin | September 21, 2020