This summer, music festival enthusiasts noticed a critical trend: earplugs are on the rise, and for good reason. Once dismissed as clumsy foam “bullets,” earplugs have transformed into fashionable accessories that balance sound quality with protection. Innovative designs allow music lovers to enjoy the beats while avoiding the harsh frequencies that can lead to irreversible hearing damage.

Leading this new wave is the brand Loop, which cleverly markets their earplugs as an essential addition to festival gear, similar to jewelry. Ranging from £20 to £60, these stylish earplugs were featured at prominent UK events like the Houghton Festival. Rival company Alpine also made itself known with stalls at popular music festivals such as Boomtown and All Points East. Jono Heale, director of ACS Custom, whose molded earplugs are the go-to in the music industry, notes that venues are beginning to acknowledge the importance of sound safety: “There was a time when festivals worried they might be seen as admitting liability for having us there. Now, they’re starting to understand the need for protection.”

This shift coincides with alarming statistics from Tinnitus UK, revealing that 7.6 million people in the UK grapple with tinnitus, with 1.5 million suffering severely. Moreover, the World Health Organization recently highlighted that over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. DJ and writer Seb Wheeler amplifies this concern: “Whenever I post about tinnitus, my direct messages explode with people sharing their experiences.”

Olivia Swash, a music journalist, reports her own battle with mild tinnitus, triggered by exposure to loud environments like gigs and clubs. “After attending these events without earplugs, the ringing in my ears worsens for days,” she explains. To mitigate the risk, she utilizes Apple AirPods Pro in noise-cancellation mode during shows, which studies suggest can significantly lower harmful decibel levels reaching your ears. “The sound quality is fantastic, and honestly, I don’t care if it looks unconventional to wear them,” she shares.

The safety guidelines surrounding sound exposure primarily derive from workplace health regulations. Audiologist Matthew Allsop underscores that in the UK, exposure to 85 decibels (dB) is considered the safe threshold over an eight-hour period. “Shockingly, at a volume of 100dB, you should limit your exposure to just 15 minutes to avoid ear damage,” he cautions. The average club operates around 100dB, with rock concerts peaking at 125dB, showcasing just how easily attendees can exceed safe listening limits.

So, why do concert-goers brave the noise? Sound engineer Léon Pearce explains, “People are drawn to the raw energy of loud concerts. The visceral experience is hard to resist, and it fosters a unique connection in the crowd.” This shared intensity elevates adrenaline levels, reinforcing the need for ear protection.

Earplug vendors advocate breaks to protect hearing health. Laurence Kendall, an audiovisual technician, suggests taking time out and finding a quieter spot if the sound becomes too intense. “Bass sounds are less damaging, so standing away from the front where the high frequencies are prominent can provide relief,” he advises.

Despite the rise in earplug usage, there’s still a significant stigma around simply asking to lower the volume. Asking for a gentler sound is often perceived as “uncool,” leaving many uncomfortable. Swash shares her hesitance: “I would never have thought to ask. I assume the sound engineer knows best.”

One advocate challenging this norm is Gregory Scott, founder of the SoundPrint app, which collects user-generated data on noise levels in different venues. “It empowers users to identify quieter spaces for conversation and hearing protection,” he asserts. Scott reveals that London has been identified as hosting the loudest bars and restaurants in Europe, a reality that’s painfully clear to anyone attempting a peaceful date night in the city.

Scott adds, “Many people hesitate to address noise levels. We can’t ignore that as our world grows louder, it’s causing harm to our health.” It’s time we start prioritizing listening safety to ensure we enjoy music festivals without sacrificing our hearing for the sake of fun. The future of our auditory health may depend on it.