How to Protect Your Hearing at Festivals – Before, During & After
Festivals are all about music and people. The shared experience makes summer days feel light and free, and the memories often last long after the event is over. But as unforgettable as these moments are, they often come with an overlooked risk: without proper protection, loud music can cause lasting damage to your hearing. Even short exposure to high sound levels can have permanent effects.
The good news is that protecting your ears is simple. Whether you’re dancing up front by the stage or relaxing at the campsite with friends, hearing protection means you can keep enjoying live music for years to come. This guide shows you how to get ready before the gates open, how to protect your ears during the event, and what to do afterwards to care for your hearing.
Why hearing protection matters
Loud music is part of the festival experience, but sound levels often exceed 100 decibels, which is louder than a chainsaw. Just 15 minutes at that volume can lead to temporary or permanent hearing damage. The first signs often appear after the music has stopped.
Those early warning signs include:
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sensitivity to sound
- Muffled hearing after the event
The good news is that hearing protection is simple and effective, and it does not have to take anything away from the music or the festival experience. The right earplugs lower the volume evenly across all frequencies. That way, the music still sounds full and clear, just at a safe level. This guide shows you how to get ready, stay protected during the festival, and take care of your ears afterwards. So, the only ringing you’ll hear after the festival is your phone.
How earplugs protect you
High-quality earplugs do not simply block or muffle sound. They use carefully tuned mesh and membrane materials to filter it. This means harmful frequencies are reduced while the clarity of the music remains. Just like turning down the volume a notch, without compromising on the clarity of vocals or the richness of instruments.
The DYNAMIC ear filter earplugs are designed with advanced acoustic filters and a triple-flange tip. This ensures a deeper and more secure fit that stays in place, even during constant movement. It also helps seal the ear properly, which is essential for protecting against the high energy of loud bass frequencies.
Find the right filter for festivals here.
How to insert earplugs properly
Inserting the Filter
Insert the filter with the desired attenuation into the ear tip. Make sure the logo is facing outward and that the filter fits securely into the ear tip.
Keep Your Earplugs Clean
To maintain hygiene and extend the life of your earplugs, it’s important to clean them after use. Earplugs made from medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or silicone are washable. After each use, rinse them with mild soap and warm water, then let them dry completely before storing or reusing. Regular cleaning helps prevent ear infections and ensures your earplugs continue to work effectively.
Insert the Earplug
Slowly insert the earplug with a gentle twisting motion until it fits securely. All three flanges should be fully inside the ear canal, with the largest flange sitting flush at the entrance.
Having Trouble? Try This Tip
If insertion is difficult, gently pull your ear upward and outward. This straightens the ear canal, making insertion easier and more effective. If the earplug is still hard to insert, try moistening the tip slightly with a drop of water or pure olive oil. This usually helps it slide in more easily.
Check the Fit
You should feel a slight vacuum sensation that stabilizes within seconds. A noticeable drop in surrounding noise indicates a proper seal.
Understand the Occlusion Effect
You may notice that your own voice sounds louder than usual. This is known as the occlusion effect. There is no need to speak more quietly, as your brain will adjust to the sensation on its own over time.
Placement Matters
Earplugs should not sit in the concha (the outer bowl of the ear), as this distorts sound. A well-designed hearing protector fits deeper in the ear canal, with the filter sitting flush at the entrance. This placement:
- Minimizes the occlusion effect
- Preserves sound directionality
- Enhances speech intelligibility
Wear Them Consistently
Insert your earplugs before the concert or noise begins and keep them in throughout the festival. Removing them repeatedly prevents your brain from adapting to the altered sound environment. You can still have conversations while wearing them, as the filters are designed to reduce volume without blocking speech.
See how it works in our short video:
Tip: Try them out at home before the festival, ideally while listening to loud music or watching a concert video. This helps you make sure that:
- You’re using the correct ear tip size
- The earplugs are comfortable
- You’re confident inserting and removing them properly
Taking a few minutes to practice can help prevent discomfort or poor protection once the festival begins.
Common misconceptions about hearing protection
Despite growing awareness, many people still avoid using earplugs at concerts or festivals due to outdated beliefs. Let’s set the record straight:
✅ Fact: Not all earplugs are the same. High-fidelity (filtered) earplugs, like the DYNAMIC ear filter, reduce volume without distorting sound. You’ll still hear the full frequency range, just at a safe level.
✅ Fact: Even short exposure to loud noise can cause damage. Just 15 minutes at 100 decibels can start to harm your ears. It’s also about the sound level, not just the duration.
✅ Fact: Your ears don’t “adapt” to damage. If you stop noticing the loudness, it might be a temporary threshold shift, an early warning sign of hearing loss.
✅ Fact: The DYNAMIC ear filters are designed to reduce harmful noise levels without blocking speech. You can still talk to your friends while you are protecting your hearing.
✅ Fact: Noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age and is permanent. The best time to protect your hearing is before you notice any changes.
Festival hearing-safe checklist
Here’s what to pack to keep your festival experience safe, fun, and worry-free:
- DYNAMIC ear filter earplugs
- A travel pouch to securely store your earplugs
- Hand sanitizer for clean hands (before inserting the earplugs)
- Reusable water bottle (hydration helps reduce ear discomfort)
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- A hat or cap for open-air events
After the Festival: how to recover and protect your hearing
Even if you used ear protection, your ears may still feel tired after a long day of loud sound exposure. Here’s how to support recovery and maintain your hearing health for the future:
1. Give your ears a break (silence is golden)
After hours of high-volume sound, your ears need some quiet time. Try to avoid music, headphones, or noisy environments for at least 12–24 hours. Let your auditory system reset.
2. Notice ringing or muffled hearing?
If you experience:
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
- Sensitivity to sound
- Muffled or “plugged” hearing
…it could be a temporary threshold shift. These symptoms usually fade within a day, but they serve as an early warning sign. Repeated exposure to loud noise without protection can cause permanent damage.
If symptoms last more than 48 hours, it is important to consult an audiologist.
3. Stay hydrated & rested
Drinking enough water and getting good sleep helps your nervous system and ears recover more effectively. It may sound simple, but it really makes a difference.
4. Clean your earplugs & storage case
If you used reusable earplugs made from silicone or TPE, clean them with mild soap and water or a dedicated cleaning solution. Make sure they are completely dry before storing.
Don’t forget to clean the storage case as well. It protects both your earplugs and your ears.
5. Reflect & adjust for next time
- Did you use the right hearing protection?
- Did your earplugs feel comfortable throughout the event?
- Did you need a different tip size?
- Did you forget to put them in before entering the event?
Take note of your answers and make small adjustments to be even better prepared for your next festival.
Ready to rock?
Don’t let hearing loss become part of your festival memory. Whether you’re at Achtertuin Festival or your favorite summer event, protect your hearing to make it an experience to remember and not to regret.