Protecting your hearing from noise: concerts, commuting and everyday life

This article is general information, not clinical advice. If your hearing drops suddenly in one or both ears, do not wait for it to settle: get urgent medical help the same day from your GP. Our guide to sudden hearing loss explains why timing matters.

Why noise matters

Loud sound puts strain on the delicate structures of the inner ear. A single very loud event can affect hearing, but for most people the bigger concern is regular exposure over months and years. Changes caused by noise tend to come on gradually, which is why many people do not notice them until conversations start to feel harder. Our article on the signs of hearing loss covers what to look out for.

A simple way to judge loudness

You do not need a sound meter. If you cannot talk to someone about 2 metres away without shouting, it is likely too loud. The louder it is, the shorter the time before it becomes a concern. Some smartphones and smartwatches can also show noise levels and headphone volume, which can be a helpful prompt.

Concerts, clubs and live sport

Live music is one of the most common sources of loud noise. A few habits make a real difference:

• Wear earplugs. Reusable musicians' style earplugs lower the volume evenly, so music still sounds clear.
• Stand away from the speakers rather than right in front of them.
• Take short breaks somewhere quieter during the evening.
• Give your ears a quiet day afterwards if they feel tired or are ringing.

Commuting and headphones

Trains and the Tube can be noisy, and the natural reaction is to turn your music or podcast up to drown it out. Noise cancelling headphones help because they reduce background noise, so you can listen comfortably at a lower volume. Try to keep the volume moderate, take regular breaks, and use the volume limit setting on your phone if it has one.

Noisy work and hobbies

Building sites, workshops, kitchens, bars and music venues can all be loud places to work. If you work in noise, follow your employer's guidance and use the hearing protection provided. At home, power tools, lawnmowers, motorbikes and shooting are worth protecting your ears from too. Ear defenders or well fitted earplugs are inexpensive compared with the value of your hearing.

Choosing hearing protection

• Foam earplugs: cheap and effective when rolled and inserted properly. Good to keep in a bag or coat pocket.
• Reusable earplugs: often designed for music, reducing volume while keeping sound natural.
• Ear defenders: useful for tools, DIY and noisy work, and easy to put on and take off.
• Noise cancelling headphones: helpful for commuting and travel, because they let you listen at a lower volume.

Whatever you choose, the best protection is the one you will actually wear. Avoid pushing anything deep into the ear canal, and keep earplugs clean.

Signs your ears have had too much

Ringing, buzzing or a muffled feeling after loud noise are signs your ears have been under strain. These often settle within a day or so, but they are worth taking seriously, particularly if they happen often. Our guide to tinnitus explains more about ringing in the ears. If symptoms do not settle, or you notice your hearing has changed, book a check rather than waiting.

When to have your hearing checked

If you are regularly around loud sound, a hearing assessment gives you a baseline to compare against in future. It is also worth booking if friends or family say the television is loud, or you find yourself asking people to repeat things. At Drummond Hearing the initial hearing assessment lasts 60 minutes and costs £150, at Cromwell Hospital or Visit Health. Read what happens at a hearing test and do I need a hearing test for more. RNID also has helpful information on protecting your hearing.

Frequently asked questions