Ten years in the past, the World Well being Group declared a sound damage epidemic, warning that fifty% of individuals ages 12–35 had been prone to everlasting listening to harm from leisure noise publicity. One of many main culprits: music — from private listening habits to the quantity of live shows and festivals. This function explores the scope of what that epidemic is, the way it impacts the music trade, and the steps we are able to take to guard our listening to whereas nonetheless having fun with the music we love.
In recent times, a number of high-profile artists within the dance music group have introduced consideration to the rising situation of listening to harm. Alesso just lately make clear how his tinnitus diagnosis led him to cancel a run of reveals for the primary time in his profession. Dom Dolla grew to become a prominent advocate for listening to safety after he was recognized with tinnitus in each ears again in 2017 — a situation that requires him to take further precautions each within the studio and on stage. Earlier this yr, Martin Garrix revealed on the Figuring Out podcast with Raj Shamani that he, too, lives with tinnitus. He defined that he typically retains background music taking part in to masks the fixed beeping in his ears, which he attributes to not carrying ear safety throughout lengthy studio classes and reveals early in his profession — a mistake he now regrets.
These circumstances illustrate the cruel actuality of tinnitus – a persistent ringing or beeping within the ears that by no means absolutely goes away. Whereas signs differ from individual to individual, frequent uncomfortable side effects embrace issue sleeping, bother concentrating, reminiscence points, heightened nervousness and stress, and even melancholy. In essentially the most extreme circumstances, tinnitus has been linked to suicidal ideas as a consequence of its profound affect on psychological well being. It’s a stark reminder of simply how critical this rising epidemic actually is.
So, what exactly is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of sound — such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking — in the ears or head without any external source. Prolonged exposure to loud noise, including music, is one of the most common causes and can lead to both hearing loss and tinnitus. Most people describe it as a “ringing in the ears,” something many concertgoers have experienced after a show. While that post-concert ringing may seem harmless, it’s actually a sign of minor ear damage — and over time, repeated exposure can lead to permanent injury.
Although hearing loss and tinnitus are technically different conditions, they often occur together. Both can develop after spending extended time in loud environments, and both are largely preventable with proper hearing protection.
The ear itself is a remarkable organ, but it has one major flaw: the tiny sensory cells responsible for hearing do not regenerate once they’re damaged. That means when it comes to hearing, prevention isn’t just important — it’s the only option.
There’s also a direct link between hearing damage — especially untreated hearing loss — and an increased risk of developing dementia. Multiple large-scale studies have identified hearing loss as one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
There’s a science behind why this is a growing problem. Simply put, the human ear wasn’t designed for the loud environments we regularly encounter in the modern world. Before the Industrial Revolution, the planet was a quiet place, free from the constant hum of engines, machinery, and amplified sound. In just a few centuries — a blink in evolutionary time — the world has grown exponentially louder, and our ears haven’t had time to adapt. Among the biggest contributors to this problem is prolonged exposure to loud music. Yet, unlike our teeth or our eyes — where we visit dentists and optometrists for regular checkups — few people ever see an audiologist until it’s too late.
To better understand the epidemic and its implications for the music industry, Dancing Astronaut spoke with Dr. Shannon Switzer, a Chicago-based audiologist and Northwestern University graduate who is one of only about 15 audiologists in the U.S. specializing full-time in music industry audiology. A passionate dance music fan herself — having proudly attended her fifth ARC Music Festival this summer — Dr. Switzer brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and cultural insight to the conversation around hearing health.
“Unlike industrial spaces — especially in the U.S. — there are no legal standards to regulate music as a potential source of sound injury,” Dr. Switzer says. “The only person looking out for you in these music spaces is you.” She’s right — while factories, warehouses, construction sites and other workplaces have OSHA laws that enforce hearing protection and give employees access to annual hearing tests, no such protections exist in the music industry.
“Because music is fun and positive, it doesn’t occur to us that it could be harmful to our health,” she explains. “What makes sound potentially dangerous comes down to both volume and exposure time — and dance music fans and artists are often logging longer and louder hours than anyone else.”
According to Dr. Switzer, “If people don’t start changing their behaviors, down the line a large percentage of people are going to have some form of hearing loss, tinnitus or both.” And that’s why hearing protection – both the education and the application of it – is more crucial now than ever.
But this doesn’t mean people have to stop enjoying music. Far from it. There are effective ways to protect your ears without sacrificing the experience. While many factors can affect hearing health, volume is one of the few we can control — and managing it is key to preventing further damage.
Dr. Switzer serves as the Musicians Hearing Clinic Director at Sensaphonics, the company that pioneered high-fidelity earplugs. Sensaphonics specializes in custom-molded ear protection, and their technology inspired the universal models now popularized by brands like Eargasm and Loop. Their current clients include artists in the dance music scene like Porter Robinson, Gorgon City and Azzecca, plus other global touring acts like Lorde, Coldplay and Radiohead. They even work with NASA – underscoring the trust placed in them to deliver world-class hearing protection.
A common misconception with earplugs is that they diminish the live music experience. In reality, with the right earplug (not the cheap orange foam ones), they actually improve the overall audio quality. High-fidelity earplugs bring down the volume of the entire environment around you – including those pesky dance floor yappers and fan clackers – allowing the music to shine more clearly. The result is a cleaner, more balanced sound entering your ear, making for a richer and more enjoyable live experience. Even better, they don’t block out conversations with friends nearby — so you can still hear your buddy when they ask, “What’s this ID?”
A diehard dance music fan, Dr. Switzer understands if fans want to take their earplugs out every once in a while at shows. “If you can wear earplugs 85% of the time, I’m happy with that. It’s better to be consistent than perfect. If you want to take out your earplugs when your favorite song comes on, do it. Consistency is more important than having them in 100% of the time.”
It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to hearing health. The good news is that tinnitus and hearing loss from sound exposure is — for the most part — entirely preventable. And even for those already diagnosed, many are able to live full, healthy lives with proper care and awareness. Dr. Switzer says she’s “optimistic” about the future, noting that attitudes are shifting. “At first, no one thought about hearing health and music at all. Now, I’m seeing more and more people wearing earplugs at shows.”
Adding to that optimism is accessibility: high-quality earplugs designed specifically for live music environments are now better, more available, and more affordable than ever.
Universal models like Eargasm, Hears, and Loop are nice entry factors for informal concertgoers and provide sturdy safety. And for these trying to elevate each their listening to safety and their general dwell music expertise, custom-molded earplugs – made particularly to suit your ears – are the gold customary.
Dancing Astronaut had the chance to check a variety of earplugs whereas researching this function, and the custom-fitted fashions (courtesy of Sensaphonics) undoubtedly stood out in comparison with the common fashions. As a result of they’re molded particularly to the wearer’s ear, they’re much more snug for long-term use. Their high-fidelity filters ship distinctive sound readability, preserving each nuance of the music whereas lowering dangerous quantity ranges. Most significantly, they provide superior safety by creating an entire seal – guaranteeing that every one sound getting into the ear is correctly filtered by means of the hi-fi system.
Customized earplugs are costlier and require an additional step — getting an ear mould made by a neighborhood audiologist — however that shouldn’t deter devoted dwell music followers. For anybody who repeatedly attends reveals or festivals, they’re a worthwhile long-term funding in each security and sound high quality. And for many who can’t make the leap simply but, common earplugs are nonetheless a wonderful and reasonably priced choice — much better than going with out safety. Sensaphonics even affords a universal line alongside their fitted designs.
Beneath is a listing of high quality, Dancing Astronaut-recommended earplug choices available on the market. From {custom} earplugs to low cost common choices and all the things in between, there’s loads of wonderful choices on the market to suit any funds.
Dancing Astronaut implores the whole music group to look out for each other: encourage using earplugs, be an advocate for listening to well being, and assist unfold consciousness. We’ve solely acquired one set of ears — shield them. Collectively, we are able to change the tradition round listening to well being for the higher.
Earplugs advisable by Dancing Astronaut
Sensaphonics
Custom fit: $210
Universal fit: $15
The {custom} match earplugs are properly definitely worth the worth and a real recreation changer for anybody attending live shows frequently.
Observe: see an audiologist to get ear molds made earlier than ordering any sort of {custom} earplugs and at all times comply with the route of the producer to make sure a correct match. You’ll find a listing of Sensaphonics-recommended audiologists here.
Eargasm
Eargasm: $43.95
One of the vital widespread choices available on the market – a long-time Dancing Astronaut favourite.
Featured picture: courtesy of Loop
Classes: Features
