Festival season: concert hearing protection that does not distort the sound

A concert in front of the stage typically sits between 100 and 110 dB. At 100 dB the safe dose under the usual occupational safety rules is reached after about 15 minutes, at 110 dB after roughly 90 seconds. A festival weekend with three days of programme adds up fast. The numb feeling and the ringing after the show are warning signs, not a side note.

Why foam plugs annoy at concerts

Classic foam plugs attenuate high frequencies much more than low ones. The bass stays, vocals and guitars turn muddy. Membrane filter earplugs attenuate more evenly across frequencies: the level drops, the mix stays recognisable. That is exactly what the Music+ are built for: SNR 18 dB to EN 352-2:2020, reusable, with carry case. If you stand closer to the speakers or are more sensitive, take the Strong+ with SNR 23 dB. Both models attenuate without strongly colouring the sound.

Which value suits which concert?

For clubs, jazz, acoustic sets and festival stages from a medium distance, 18 dB is usually enough. For metal, techno, stadium shows and spots right in front of the speakers, 23 dB makes more sense. How to read the values is explained in the comparison SNR 23 or SNR 33?. For children at a festival: earmuffs such as Kiddies (SNR 28 dB) instead of plugs, and distance from the stage.

Insert them properly, or they do little

Pull the outer ear up and back with the other hand, insert the plug with a slight twist until the flanges seal the ear canal. If it sits right, your own voice sounds a little muffled and the plug does not fall out when you shake your head. Taking them out between acts is fine, ideally into the case, not the trouser pocket. After the festival, clean with lukewarm water and mild soap and let them dry.

Do not lose them: Connect+

If you do not want to search for your plugs after crowd surfing or in the tent, attach them with Connect+ to a cord or your ear. For festival-goers who also want to sleep in the tent, Music+ and Sleep+ come together in the Festival Bundle. More on the topic in the guide What is SNR?.