The music at Glastonbury 2025 goes to be louder and bolder than ever — however do you know that competition sound ranges can hit 120 decibels? That’s manner above the protected restrict — and may result in tinnitus and even everlasting listening to injury if you happen to’re not cautious.
In keeping with the RNID, greater than 58% of festivalgoers have skilled tinnitus or momentary listening to loss after a reside music occasion — and greater than a 3rd expertise it repeatedly.
With Charli XCX, The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo set to blast Worthy Farm this 12 months — right here’s tips on how to shield your ears whereas nonetheless having fun with each beat of Glastonbury 2025. 🎶✨
1️⃣ Why Loud Music Can Harm Listening to
- Music above 85 decibels damages inside ear buildings
- 120 dB ranges frequent at entrance of stage
- Loud music causes momentary or everlasting listening to loss + tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Modifications nerve fibres — impacts mind’s notion of sound
2️⃣ Spend money on PROPER Earplugs
Most festivals hand out free foam plugs — however if you happen to’re severe about ear well being:
✅ Purchase high-fidelity earplugs (NRR 15–25 dB)
✅ These cut back quantity whereas conserving music clear (no muffling)
✅ Instance manufacturers: Loop Earplugs, Alpine MusicSafe
You’ll nonetheless really feel the bass — however save your listening to long-term.
3️⃣ Don’t Stand Too Near the Audio system
Apparent — however ESSENTIAL.
✅ Stand at the least 20 toes from audio system
✅ Keep away from centre-front for lengthy units
✅ Rotate place via the day (much less fixed publicity)
4️⃣ Take Common Breaks
✅ Construct in quiet zone breaks
✅ Use chill-out tents, shaded areas
✅ Even popping to the toilet offers your ears time to get well!
✅ Put up-festival: keep away from loud environments for 24 hours to offer your ears full relaxation
5️⃣ Use a Decibel Meter App
✅ Apps inform you real-time decibel ranges
✅ Smartwatches now give excessive noise alerts
✅ If it’s peaking — transfer additional again
✅ An effective way to change into extra conscious of dangers
6️⃣ Know the Warning Indicators
🚨 Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
🚨 Muffled listening to
🚨 Uninteresting sensation in a single or each ears
If this occurs mid-festival:
→ Transfer to quiet space ASAP
→ Put on earplugs the rest of the day
→ See audiologist post-festival if signs persist
7️⃣ Common Listening to Checks = Important
Should you’re an everyday gig/competition fan (like me!), construct in common listening to exams — it helps catch any early indicators and keep away from everlasting injury.
Remaining Phrase from DECIBEL knowledgeable Tsvetan Nedkov:
“Making small modifications to the way in which we handle noise publicity can have an enormous optimistic influence on our long-term listening to well being. Shield these ears — so you’ll be able to benefit from the music for all times!”
Sources:
DECIBEL | RNID | DECIBEL International
