Adelaide’s festival season is legendary. From the electric energy of the Fringe to the global rhythms of WOMADelaide, our city thrives on sound. But this vibrant atmosphere comes with a hidden risk: noise-induced hearing damage. With decibel levels at crowded venues like The Garden of Unearthly Delights or Botanic Park regularly exceeding 85dB—the threshold for safe exposure—protecting your hearing isn’t just wise—it’s *essential* if you want to keep enjoying these events for years to come.
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The Sound of Danger
Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Here’s a breakdown of typical sound levels:
85dB: A busy city street. Prolonged, repeated exposure can cause damage over time.
95-100dB: A typical concert or live music venue. Damage can occur in as little as *one hour*.
110dB+: Peak levels at some performances (especially near speakers). Damage can happen in minutes.
The scary part is that noise-induced hearing loss is often gradual and painless. You might not notice it immediately, but the cumulative effect of repeated exposure can lead to:
- Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears.
- Difficulty understanding speech: Especially in noisy environments.
- Permanent hearing loss: This is irreversible and significantly impacts quality of life.
Fringe-Proof Your Ears: Practical Protection Strategies
The good news is that prevention is key, and it’s easier than you think. Here’s how to enjoy the Fringe and other festivals without risking your hearing:
- Wear Earplugs: Your first and best defense. Disposable Foam Earplugs: Affordable and readily available. Insert them *correctly* (roll tightly and insert deeply). Reusable, High-Fidelity Earplugs: A worthwhile investment for frequent festival-goers. They reduce volume while preserving sound clarity, so you still enjoy the music. Look for ones designed for musicians or concert-goers.
- Take Breaks: Give your ears a rest! Step away from the loudest areas periodically.
- Position Yourself Wisely: Avoid standing directly in front of speakers. Further back = lower sound intensity.
- Monitor Sound Levels: Smartphone apps can give you a rough estimate of decibel levels. While not perfectly accurate, they provide a useful warning.
- Be Mindful of Duration: Longer exposure = higher risk.
- Listen to you body: Temporary ringing is a noise-induced damage warning sign.
Worried About Your Hearing? Get a Check-Up!
If you’re already noticing signs of hearing loss (difficulty with conversations, needing to turn up the volume, tinnitus), don’t ignore it. This could be existing noise-induced damage, and further exposure without protection will worsen it.
Hearing Sense can help. We offer:
- Comprehensive Hearing Assessments: To evaluate your hearing and identify any issues.
- Hearing Protection Advice: We’ll help you choose the best earplugs or custom-molded protection.
- Hearing Aid Consultation: To determine if hearing aids are required.
Protect your hearing now, so you can enjoy the sounds of Adelaide’s festivals for years to come!
Schedule a free hearing screening at Hearing Sense! Book Online or or call us at 08 8331 8047 to book.
Enjoy the Fringe – responsibly!
