Ringing in ears after concerts

How to stop ringing in the ears after a concert

Tinnitus and ringing in the ears after concerts and loud music

Regular exposure to sounds over 85 decibels can lead to tinnitus and hearing loss, and concerts often clock in at 100-115 dB. However, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid these fun events completely. Learn how you can stop the post-concert ringing in your ears and prevent tinnitus from occurring after your next concert experience.

Concerts are guaranteed to give you a thrill, from the energy of the crowd to the excitement of hearing your favorite musicians play their songs live and in person. After an evening of fun, however, you may also find yourself experiencing a slight ringing in your ears from loud music as you leave the venue. It might seem that some ringing in ears after concert is just part of the concert experience, but it can actually be a sign of something more damaging happening in your ears.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sounds that aren’t actually there. About 15% of adults experience some form of tinnitus, and it shows up as sounds like high-pitched ringing, roaring, humming or buzzing.

Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself; rather, it’s a symptom of an underlying ailment. While numerous conditions are associated with tinnitus, one of the most common causes is hearing loss.

Under normal conditions, the movement of tiny, delicate hair cells in the inner ear triggers electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. One theory is if these hairs are damaged, they can “leak” random signals to your brain and cause tinnitus. Regular exposure to loud sounds, including noisy work environments and music at concert volumes, can cause that damage.

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Care for your ears

One of the best ways to care for your ears and prevent hearing loss is to get them properly examined by a hearing professional. Find your nearest Miracle-Ear store to get started on your journey to better hearing.

How to stop ringing in your ears after a concert

If you’ve wondered how to stop ear ringing, there are several important things to know. While there is no cure, you can still find some tinnitus relief and ease the symptoms of this annoying sensation. Explore these methods to learn how to stop ringing in the ears.

Ambient sounds like white noise can be a useful tool in suppressing the ringing in your ears. White noise machines offer users a range of soothing sound options, such as static, falling rain or ocean waves, to mask tinnitus symptoms. If you don’t own a white noise machine, appliances like fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers or air conditioners also create white noise that may help make tinnitus less noticeable overnight and help you relax. 

When you’re experiencing tinnitus symptoms, the ringing in your ears can feel impossible to ignore, especially if there are no other sounds present. But it is possible to learn to ignore the ringing. In a technique known as attention diversion, you can train your brain to shift your attention away from your tinnitus symptoms and focus instead on another stimulus such as gentle music or an engaging podcast. However, the goal is to distract from tinnitus, not to drown it out with a louder sound, so be cautious about volume. 

For many people, stress is a trigger for tinnitus, but with the help of some relaxation techniques, you can minimize its effects. Practices like meditation or yoga, or activities like watching TV, going for a walk or taking a soothing bath can all help refocus your attention and regulate stress. Try these de-stressing techniques when your tinnitus symptoms aren’t active so you can better calm your body and mind when you find yourself in higher-stress situations.

How long does ringing in the ears after concerts last?

If you’ve experienced ringing in your ears after a concert, it likely subsided by the following morning. In most cases, tinnitus after a loud concert disappears within 16 to 48 hours, or a week or two in extreme cases. No matter the severity of your post-concert tinnitus, avoid further exposure to loud noises that could  further aggravate the issue.

If you notice that the ringing persists for more than two weeks, consult a doctor or a specialist at Miracle-Ear to analyze the extent of the damage in your ears and discuss possible treatment options. 

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Treating different types of tinnitus

Regardless of which type of tinnitus you may experience, it can be a frustrating symptom to live with. Luckily, several treatment options are available to help manage your tinnitus, including hearing aids. If you think you suffer from tinnitus, schedule an appointment at your nearest Miracle-Ear location today.

How can I protect my ears at concerts?

Despite the risk that concerts pose to your ears, you don’t have to stop attending live shows altogether. Instead, take protective measures during the concert to protect your hearing. Here’s how to protect ears at concerts:

  • Wear earplugs. It may seem counterintuitive to wear ear plugs at a performance where the main activity is listening, but ear plugs are one of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of damage while still enjoying the music. Many modern hearing protection options, such as certain over-the-counter ear plugs, are specially engineered for enjoying music. These devices use filters that adjust and tone down the volume without muting the music entirely. If you are a regular concert-goer, consider investing in custom-molded earplugs  for extra protection.
  • Watch where you stand. If you’re standing close to the speakers, you can put your ears at a greater risk of damage. Choose a spot at least 25 feet away from any audio equipment. If you find yourself in an area where the music is particularly loud, take breaks in quieter areas such as bathrooms or concession areas.
  • Avoid tinnitus triggers. When drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, especially in excess, your blood vessels relax and expand. This movement increases bloodflow throughout the body, including to your ears, and can make tinnitus symptoms feel more pronounced. On the other hand, smoking cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure, reducing the amount of oxygen reaching cells and amplifying the ringing in your ears. Avoid these substances to reduce your risk of experiencing tinnitus symptoms.

Despite taking precautionary measures, it’s still possible to walk out of a concert with a slight ringing in your ears. Nevertheless, your actions mitigate the damage, and you shouldn’t be discouraged from wearing protection each time you go to a show. 

Can loud noises cause permanent hearing loss?

If you don’t take preventative measures to protect your hearing, consistent exposure to loud noise can lead to premature hearing loss. Also known as Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) , this condition affects people of all ages. Symptoms can develop immediately or slowly over time and can include tinnitus, the inability to hear high-pitched sounds, or a feeling of pressure in the ears. Similarly to tinnitus, NIHL occurs when the sensitive hair cells of the inner ear are damaged. Once these hair cells are destroyed, they cannot grow back.

Not only can NIHL come from consistent exposure to loud music at concerts, but it can also stem from other noisy hobbies or even loud workplaces. If you regularly ride motorcycles, hunt , do woodworking, listen to loud music via headphones, or work in a construction or factory setting, your ears are likely exposed to harmful decibel levels. Like you would at a concert, wear ear protection to prevent unhealthy noise exposure and protect your hearing.

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Explore our hearing aids

Another treatment option for tinnitus is a hearing aid. These hearing aids produce a sound that masks the sound of tinnitus. Discover Miracle-Ear's range of hearing aids and get advice on the best solution according to your specific needs!

When to see a hearing care professional

Concerts are fun and exciting ways to enjoy your favorite music and spend time with friends, but they shouldn’t come at a cost to your health. By taking preventative measures, you can avoid experiencing ringing in your ears after a concert. If you notice the ringing in your ears  after loud music that lasts longer than two weeks, or if you have questions about how to protect your ears in noisy environments, schedule an appointment at Miracle-Ear.

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