Hi everyone. I’m not even a hardcore concert-goer, but I found this community while looking up tinnitus info. Please, don’t blast your music and avoid the front row at shows. It’s not worth the damage. Some people get away with not wearing protection at concerts, but I wasn’t so lucky. I went to my first show ever, stayed back, wore protection, and still got permanent tinnitus. It’s been devastating. I’ve lost 10kg, my job, and my ability to concentrate. The insomnia is real. I used to think temporary ringing after a night out was fine, but it actually means permanent damage occurred. I wish I had known that. I’ve only been to a handful of clubs and one concert, yet here I am in this nightmare. I’m just trying to spread the word. Noise can ruin you. Use protection, keep the volume low on your earbuds, and know that at extreme decibels, even plugs might not be enough. As a medical student (or was, anyway), the lack of awareness is frustrating. People know about hearing loss, but they don’t understand tinnitus until it’s too late. It’s for life. I’m just venting, but I hope this helps someone. It’s painful to see my friends still being reckless with their hearing after seeing what I’m going through. You only have two ears. Protect them, no matter how young or invincible you feel. Silence is a luxury. Take care. TLDR: Even with earplugs, one show can ruin your hearing. Be careful and keep the volume down.
For real. I should’ve listened to the older crowd. Now, silence is just annoying. Shows, drumming, riding… it’s all catching up to me.
Thinking earplugs are for wimps is actually the wimpiest thing ever. Having a constant ring in your head forever isn’t tough. You can still hear the music and be active at the show. Just wear some protection and stop with the toxic mindset. Imagine not being able to enjoy music when you’re older. Why risk that?
I’ve been using plugs for the last year and it’s a game changer. I’ve been using EarProMax and they’re great; really wish I’d started sooner.
Listen to the OP. I played loud music and hit shows for years without protection. My hearing is totally shot now.
Wear your plugs, take some magnesium, and find a frequency like brown or pink noise to help drown out the ringing. Brown noise really helps me get through the night.
I had sudden hearing loss and constant tinnitus in one ear this past year (likely not from shows since my other ear is fine), but I know how much it sucks. I found that accepting it rather than fighting it helped me manage the stress. It still bothers me, but it’s better than it was. Therapy is great, and maybe get into a mosh pit once or twice.
Yep, I drummed in a band without plugs. Now I can’t handle silence without feeling like I’m going crazy.
I’m 19 and listen to a lot of heavy music and go to shows, but I’m super careful. I wear plugs and keep my phone volume low. I got permanent ringing in one ear after a Deftones show without protection, so I’m very serious about it now. It’s maddening to see my friends not care.
Tinnitus is just a myth made up by the boring crowd to stop us from having a good time.
I spent enough time in basement shows to know better. Listen to the OP, kids. I have lifelong hearing problems because I wanted to look cool instead of being smart.
I’m 32 now and I hate silent rooms. I really should’ve listened to the older guys when I started going to shows.
If you need a reality check, watch Sound of Metal.
I’m so sorry, that sounds miserable. I’ve had clients with similar struggles—losing focus and missing the quiet. If you have insurance, see an ENT. It’s not curable, but there are ways to manage it.
I was in a band for years and was at shows constantly, but I never took protection seriously. I’ve probably had tinnitus for a long time without realizing it, but now it’s much worse. Sometimes the ringing is so loud I actually get disoriented.
Earplugs and helmets aren’t for wimps.
Thunderstorm sounds are the way to go.