Hearing loss is one of those subjects most musicians and concertgoers tend to ignore – until it’s too late. Many assume it won’t happen to them, or they don’t realize how easy it is these days to protect their ears without killing the vibe.
(Article Updated October 2025) If you’ve been to a gig lately, you’ve probably noticed that some of the crew – photographers, security, sound engineers, even the band – are wearing some kind of ear protection. Sometimes it’s those simple foam plugs from the chemist, but often it’s the sleeker, near-invisible kind that sit flush in the ear. The difference? Foam plugs simply block sound like putting your fingers in your ears, while the better-designed ones filter harmful frequencies, letting the music still sound natural.
Let’s go through what’s really going on, and how you can sort your ears out before the damage is done.
The Scary Truth
Hearing loss is irreversible. Once the tiny hair cells in your inner ear are damaged, they don’t grow back. There’s no surgery, no miracle drug, no “hearing reboot.” The only solution is to amplify what’s left with hearing aids – yes, like your granddad used to wear.
The good news? Hearing loss is completely preventable if you act early. The problem is, it happens so gradually you often don’t realize it’s happening. You might only notice after gigs that:
- Noise makes your ears ring (that’s called tinnitus),
- Certain sounds become physically painful, or
- You experience “temporary deafness” for a few hours afterward.
Those are your early warning signs. Ignore them long enough, and that “temporary” deafness becomes permanent.
Where to Worry About Noise Levels
For musicians and fans, there are two main dangers:
- Sudden loud bursts – like an explosion or standing right in front of a PA stack when the drummer decides to “check” his snare.
- Constant loud background noise – basically any situation where you need to shout to be heard.
You might be surprised how short your safe exposure times really are:
| Sound Level (dB) | Example | Safe Exposure (no protection) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 dB | Normal conversation | Unlimited |
| 85 dB | Busy traffic | 8 hours |
| 91 dB | Loud pub or bar band | 2 hours |
| 106 dB | Nightclub or front row at a concert | 4 minutes (!!) |
For context:
- The NZ legal limit for concerts is 140 dB – about the same as a jet engine from 100m away.
- That means the sound engineer could technically stay “within limits” while your eardrums are waving a white flag.
You can complain under the Health and Safety Act (Regulation 11) if a venue’s noise levels are excessive and cause injury, but proving it is tricky unless a lot of people report the same thing. Most noise laws exist to protect the neighbours, not the people inside.
Even worse – concert noise limits are measured from a fixed point in the crowd, often 15–20 meters from the stage. If you’re right up at the barrier, you’re well above that tested level. Translation: if you’re in the front rows, wear ear protection. Always.
How Ear Protection Changes the Game
Now, let’s look at how much difference even basic plugs can make:
| Sound Level (dB) | Example | Safe Exposure (with earplugs) |
|---|---|---|
| 60 dB | Normal conversation | Unlimited (but don’t be that person) |
| 85 dB | Busy traffic | Unlimited |
| 91 dB | Loud pub | 64 hours |
| 106 dB | Club or concert | 2 hours |
Even cheap plugs drastically extend your safe listening time – and that’s a win.
The Options (and What Actually Works)
1. The Budget Fix – Foam Plugs ($5–$10)
You can grab these from almost any chemist or petrol station. They’re not glamorous, but they work. Just remember: they need to go deep – if you can still hear high frequencies clearly, they’re not in far enough. Roll them between your fingers to compress, then insert and twist until they expand snugly inside.
They’ll muffle the highs and leave the bass rumbling, so you might feel like you’re listening underwater. They’re not ideal for mixing or performing, but they’ll save your ears in a pinch.
2. The Sweet Spot – Reusable Filtered Plugs ($30–$70)
These are pre-made plastic plugs designed to evenly reduce sound across all frequencies. The result? You still hear the music clearly – just quieter. They’re far more comfortable, reusable, and discreet.
You’ll find brands like Etymotic, Alpine, or EarPeace at most music stores (The Rock Shop in NZ stocks several). Many come with cords or small carrying cases, which is handy when you’re bouncing around in a mosh pit.
These are the best value for everyday gig-goers and musicians alike.
3. The Premium Option – Custom Moulded Earplugs ($300–$400)
Custom earplugs are molded perfectly to your ear shape, providing a comfortable, airtight fit. They’re designed for professionals – touring musicians, DJs, sound engineers – and can be made with specific attenuation filters (e.g., -15dB, -25dB).
They allow clear conversation and accurate sound reproduction, so you can protect your hearing without losing the details. Think of them as the noise-cancelling headphones of the live world.
4. The Pro Level – In-Ear Monitors (from $1,000+)
If you perform regularly, in-ear monitors (IEMs) are the ultimate solution. They look like custom plugs but have built-in drivers that feed you a personal mix directly from the sound desk.
Besides protecting your hearing, they eliminate stage noise and allow you to control exactly what you hear – no more shouting at the guitarist to turn down his amp. High-end brands like Shure, 64 Audio, and Ultimate Ears dominate the touring world for good reason.
Everyday Ear-Savers
Concerts aren’t the only danger. Repeated exposure to loud rehearsals, headphones turned to max, and long mixing sessions can also chip away at your hearing. Modern studio headphones can easily hit dangerous levels without you realizing it.
Simple habits make a difference:
- Take listening breaks every hour.
- Use a sound level meter app to check your rehearsal room.
- Turn down your car stereo after gigs – your ears are already fatigued.
Your hearing is your most important instrument. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Final Note
You can’t avoid getting older, but you can avoid needing hearing aids before you hit retirement.
So next time you head out to a gig, don’t forget your earplugs. Grab a few extra pairs for your mates – they’ll thank you later (literally, because they’ll still be able to hear you).
Now you’re fully updated on hearing protection, you might like to check out the Music Nation Concert Survival Guide next.
Protect your ears. Enjoy the music. For life.
