Hey, it’s James Barrett here!
You’re going to want to hear this… I’ve got a story to share.
The crowd was electric, and my friend was right in the thick of it at the Taylor Swift concert, living every Swiftie’s dream.
He had a killer spot near the front, where he could feel the thump of the bass in his chest and practically see the sweat on Taylor’s brow.
The speakers were blaring, the lights were flashing, and the atmosphere was everything a die-hard fan could hope for.
But as the music soared and the cheers grew louder, he felt a different sensation creeping in—a slight pressure in his ears that turned into a noticeable ringing by the time the encore rolled around.
He didn’t think much of it at first. The ringing was just part of the concert experience, right?
It wasn’t the first time he’d left a show with a buzzing in his ears, and in the past, it always faded after a day or two.
But this time, something felt different.
The ringing lingered, and even days later, it was still there, like an uninvited guest that just wouldn’t leave.
What was supposed to be an unforgettable night of music had left him with a constant reminder—a high-pitched buzz that seemed to follow him everywhere.
It wasn’t the problem he thought he’d have to worry about.
But I couldn’t help but think about his family history. Something he’d shared with me a while back. His dad and granddad both had tinnitus that never went away. It wasn’t from concerts, though. They’d been exposed to the deafening sounds of war.
His grandfather served in wars, where the roar of explosions and the crack of gunfire permanently damaged their hearing. It seemed ironic, yet somehow fitting, that his own tinnitus story would begin in a different kind of battlefield—a concert arena instead of a warzone.
Why That Ringing Matters More Than You Think
What happened to my friend isn’t just a random fluke. That ringing sound he heard after the show was his ears’ way of saying, “That was way too loud.”
When you’re exposed to sound levels of 100 decibels or more, like at a loud concert, the hair cells in your inner ear can get damaged.
These tiny cells are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain.
Once they’re hurt, it can result in tinnitus—a phantom ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that has no external source.
Sometimes, tinnitus is temporary.
But for others, like my friend’s dad and grandfather, it can become a constant companion, disrupting daily life.
This isn’t just about getting used to an annoying sound. It’s about the stress, sleep problems, and concentration issues that can come with it.
That’s why taking care of your ears isn’t something you should put off until “later.”
Everyday Sounds That Are Just as Harmful as Concerts
If you think concerts are the only thing that can mess up your ears, think again. There are plenty of other loud sounds that can sneak up on you and cause damage over time. Here are some common culprits:
Power tools like drills or saws that can easily reach 100+ decibels.
Explosions or fireworks, which can top 150 decibels in an instant.
Motorcycle engines that rev up to 100 decibels or more.
Even fitness classes where the music is blasting (often above 90 decibels).
It’s easy to overlook these things because they don’t always feel loud enough to do harm. But just like my friend at the concert, you may not realize the damage until that ringing sets in and doesn’t go away.
How to Protect Your Hearing
Don’t get me wrong—you don’t have to skip concerts, stop using power tools, or give up on loud fun. You need to be smart about it.
Here’s how to keep your ears safe while still enjoying the things you love:
- Use High-Fidelity Earplugs at Events
These earplugs are designed to reduce volume without compromising sound quality. You’ll still hear the music clearly, but at a safer level. - Take Breaks in Quiet Areas
If you’re at a concert or in a noisy environment, step away for a few minutes to give your ears a break. - Watch Your Distance From the Source
The closer you are to the speakers or the noise, the louder it is. Standing back just a little can make a big difference. - Be Mindful of Volume Levels at Home
It might feel harmless to crank up the sound for your favorite songs or movie scenes, but remember, loud is loud no matter where you are.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Signs
Hearing damage and tinnitus aren’t just things that happen after decades of noise exposure. Sometimes, it’s just one night or one loud event. That’s why listening to your ears and acting on the warning signs is important.
If you’ve experienced ringing after a concert or a loud event, don’t just brush it off. Take it as a cue to start protecting your hearing before it becomes a long-term problem.
I’d love to hear your stories…
Have you ever encountered unexpected ear ringing after a loud event? How did it affect you, and what did you do about it? Drop a reply—your story could help someone else realize they’re not alone, and we can all share tips on protecting our hearing together.
