Seeing your favourite band play live will always leave you with incredible memories. But it’s not the only thing you might be going home with. As you jump in the car or lay your head down to sleep, it can be common to notice your ears ringing after a concert.
The culprit? Tinnitus: the name given to the phenomenon of hearing sound (in this case, a ringing, buzzing, roaring or thumping) when sound is absent. So, is tinnitus harmful? And how long does tinnitus last after a concert? Discover everything you need to know about loud music events and your hearing health below.
Though there can be some age and hearing loss-related causes of tinnitus, exposure to loud noise is one of the biggest triggers. The leading theory behind why ears ring after a concert is that loud sound waves cause damage to the hair cells within the cochlea (an inner part of the ear).
When functioning normally, these delicate hair cells help to transform sound waves into electrical signals, which are then sent to the brain. However, when damaged — often due to exposure to loud noise — the brain can receive phantom signals, which result in the illusion of sound (such as ringing).
Most concert-goers will experience acute tinnitus, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks after noise exposure. For most, the sensation of ears ringing after a concert should only last 1 to 2 days. However, if exposed to extreme noise levels, it can take up to two weeks to completely ease.
How long your tinnitus lasts after a concert will depend on several factors, including:
One study found that after a singular rock concert, 85% of the audience experienced acute tinnitus after the show. There is also evidence to suggest that if you’re someone who attends concerts regularly, your tinnitus can worsen and last longer over time. For example, pop and rock musicians surveyed before and after a 16-year period reported that their hearing loss had become worse compared to age-matched controls.
If tinnitus persists for more than two years, it is considered permanent and irreversible.
Of course, the best advice for how to stop ears ringing after a concert is to prevent tinnitus from occurring in the first place. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to mean missing out when your favourite band comes to town.
One of the best ways to look after your ears during live music is to wear earplugs. In fact, plenty of studies have proven their effectiveness in reducing the risk of tinnitus and preventing hearing loss after loud music exposure.
If you can move around a venue, aim to sit or stand at least 150 metres away from any speakers. Taking breaks from the noise can also be beneficial, so if you need to hit the bathroom a couple of times, your ears will also enjoy the relief!
And lastly, limit your alcohol intake during the concert. As mentioned earlier, it raises your blood pressure which can increase the sound of ringing in your ears.
For the most part, the sensation of ears ringing after a concert is temporary and should lessen before resolving itself within a few days. However, if symptoms persist, it’s important to seek advice from a health professional.
Signs you may need to seek medical help include:
Upon seeking help, you may undergo hearing tests to determine the best treatment for your tinnitus. Although chronic tinnitus often can’t be cured, there are treatments that can help make your symptoms less noticeable.
