Over half of Americans attend live music events each year, embracing the loud atmosphere—even if it means leaving with ringing ears or a scratchy voice. But just how loud are these concerts, and can they cause lasting hearing damage? While genetics and aging play a role in hearing loss, recent studies suggest that 10 to 40 million Americans may be affected by noise-induced hearing loss.
Dive in as we explore the impact of concert noise on your ears, reveal the decibel levels, and share tips to protect your hearing.
In short, yes. But, of course, there is more to it than that.
We all have different opinions when it comes to noise levels, enjoyment, and tolerance. Generally speaking, noise is classed as ‘loud’ when we have to raise our voices to be heard and ‘very loud’ when we have to shout to be understood. Yet, subjectivity still plays a big part.
The most accurate way to measure noise is in decibels, often abbreviated to dB. Normal speech registers at 60 decibels, whereas a whisper is only around 30 decibels, and shouting can reach up to 80 decibels. Any noise of 70 dB or above over a prolonged time can cause damage to your hearing, and noises over 120 dB may result in immediate damage. Essentially, the louder a noise is, the faster hearing loss may occur. Concert dB levels often reach over 100, and rock concert dB levels can exceed 120. At this point, hearing loss can occur quickly.
We rarely feel hearing loss happening in the moment because we don’t experience physical pain until noise levels reach around 120 decibels. However, those ringing and muffled feelings in your ears after a concert are classic signs of hearing loss.
Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the cilia inside our cochleas become damaged. Cilia are tiny hairs that extend from cells within our ears. They are worn down naturally over time, which is why many of us experience hearing loss as part of the natural aging process. However, in the case of loud noises, sound vibrations cause the cilia hairs to bend backward or snap prematurely. Once damaged, hair cells cannot be repaired, and hearing loss results because sound signals are no longer relayed properly between your auditory nerve and the brain. Symptoms and severity vary, but examples of noise-induced hearing loss include:
Given the elevated decibel levels, just a few minutes of a concert could damage many cilia cells. Even if the buzzing or ringing effects are only temporary, they indicate some form of hearing loss. The chance of permanent hearing impairment increases with each exposure because more and more hair cells are damaged every time. Consequently, the more concerts you attend, the higher the risk becomes.
Scientists often explain noise-related hearing loss by referring to the 3 dB rule, which states that for every 3 dB change, sound energy is doubled or halved (respectively of whether it is increasing or decreasing). In layman’s terms, this means that you are at the same risk from attending a 90-decibel concert for 4 hours as you are by attending a 96-decibel concert for 1 hour.
According to Hearnet, the average concert ranges between 110 dB and 120 dB. However, ‘how loud are concerts?’ is not a straightforward question, as there are many variables at play.
First, there are several different styles of music, and volume levels vary between them. So you’d be better off asking specifically, ‘how many decibels is a rock concert’ or ‘how loud is a classical concert’. Here are some examples of different music genres and their respective sound energy levels:
The concert environment can also play a significant role in how loud it is. Outdoor events in open-roofed arenas and stadiums record lower concert decibel levels because there are fewer solid surfaces for sound vibrations to reverberate off. As we’ve already established, rock concert decibel levels are the highest of all the music genres. But how loud is a rock concert outdoors versus indoors? Usually, about 30 dB lower at around 90 to 100 dB – which is much better news for your ears!
All of this probably just tells you what you already knew. Concerts – and particularly rock concerts – are loud! However, that doesn’t help put noise levels and the associated risks to your ears in any kind of relatable context. So if you’re wondering how many decibels is a concert compared to everyday noises, here are a few examples:
Sometimes concerts are loud due to band and showrunner requirements. As we highlighted earlier, many concerts are performed in arenas and stadiums that weren’t originally designed for music. While this generally means a lower concert dB level, the limited surfaces can reverb noise directly back towards the band, drowning out their performance and distracting them from their set. Therefore, noise levels are often kept purposefully high to minimize this. Another reason is that higher volumes create a buzzing, palpable atmosphere and a more powerful and memorable experience for the audience.
The instruments themselves can also be a reason for increased decibel levels, especially at rock concerts. Drums register at around 119 dB, whereas electric guitars are only around 115 dB. So, for the rest of the band to be heard over the drummer, the other performers need to increase their volume to compensate.
Of course, some bands pump up the volume simply because they want to and because it’s the status quo. Some notable groups that are notorious for hitting record-breaking (and ear-shattering)rock concert dB levels include:
How loud are concerts? Loud enough that it’s a good idea to take some preventative measures and precautions to protect your ears! No matter the genre of music you’re into or what type of venue your favorite band plays in, noise-induced hearing damage can occur after just 30 minutes once decibel levels rise above 110. Here are some tips to help minimize your risk.
● Keep track of concert dB levels by downloading an app or using a sound level meter, and move away from the speakers whenever readings exceed 90.
● Try to book seats located further away from the speakers. This may also save you some money, as higher-level seats are often cheaper.
● Limit your concert attendance to bands you really love, and try to avoid events where groups are known for pushing the boundaries to set sound records.
● Take regular ‘ear breaks’ (like going to the bar or bathroom) at regular intervals to give your cilia cells a time-out.
● Invest in a pair of high-quality earplugs to reduce the music volume without impacting audibility or sound quality, especially if you are a musician.
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in America, so the important thing is that you don’t feel stigmatized or alone. If you think you may already be suffering from hearing loss, the best advice is to seek a medical opinion as soon as possible. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the easier your condition will be to treat and manage.
Noise-induced hearing loss cannot be reversed, but it is treatable. Depending on the degree of damage to your cilia, a hearing aid may be all you need to magnify sound waves and return to your usual hearing threshold.
If the damage to your ears is more extreme, your doctor might recommend a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device coupled with an external sound processor that sits behind your ear. It works by bypassing the damaged cilia and transmitting sound signals directly to the brain via the auditory nerve.
At EarPros, our mission is to help you maintain the highest level of hearing health possible. Our trusted team of expert hearing care professionals takes pride in answering all of your questions and staying with you throughout your journey towards better hearing. From understanding your options to hearing aid reviews and financing your treatment, we’re here to provide you with the information and resources you need.
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