That ringing in your ears after a great show is your ears telling you something. Here's how loud live events really are, and how to enjoy them safely.
The quick answer
- Risk depends on how loud and how long.
- At concert levels, the safe time is measured in minutes.
- High-fidelity earplugs lower the volume without muffling the music.
1How loud is too loud?
NIOSH, the U.S. workplace safety institute, recommends no more than an average of 85 dB over an 8-hour day, and every 3 dB above that halves the safe time.
| Sound | Level | Roughly safe for |
|---|---|---|
| Normal conversation |
60 dB | No limit |
| Heavy traffic |
85 dB | 8 hours |
| Motorcycle, subway platform |
94 dB | 1 hour |
| Club, loud gym class |
100 dB | 15 minutes |
| Live concert |
110 dB | About 1.5 minutes |
| Siren up close, NFL stadium |
120 dB and up | Damage in seconds |
Want to know how loud it is where you are? Our free Sound Check meter gives a rough reading from your phone.
2Signs your ears have had too much
- Ringing, buzzing or a "full" feeling after the event
- Voices sound muffled the next day
- Trouble following conversation in a noisy room
These can fade after a day or two, but repeated exposure makes the damage permanent. The tiny hair cells in the inner ear don't grow back.
3Why foam earplugs ruin the music
Cheap foam earplugs cut high frequencies much more than low ones, so music sounds dull and muffled, and people take them out. High-fidelity earplugs use an acoustic filter that lowers the volume more evenly, so the music keeps its detail.
4Quick tips for your next show
- Put earplugs in before the music starts, not halfway through.
- Stand away from the speakers.
- Take quiet breaks outside the main room.
- Give your ears a quiet day afterward.
Auricula Live
A high-precision acoustic membrane reduces sound by up to 27 dB (3 to 8 kHz) and a steady 25 dB (25 Hz to 3 kHz). Music keeps its dynamics, and a soft four-flange tip stays comfortable through a long set.
Shop Live →Or get Live + RestMore earplug guides
This article is general information, not medical advice. Hearing protection lowers the risk of hearing damage but cannot guarantee against it. See a clinician for ear pain, sudden hearing loss or ringing that does not go away.