How Loud Is Too Loud? Protecting Your Hearing at Games, Concerts, and Live Events

Featuring insights from Hunter Gerhart, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology at Livingston Hearing Aid Centers

There's nothing like the roar of a packed arena during a playoff game or the energy of a live concert. But the same sound that makes those moments unforgettable can also do lasting damage to your hearing, often without you realizing it until years later. The good news, according to Livingston Hearing Aid Centers audiologist Dr. Hunter Gerhart, is that you don't have to choose between enjoying the game and protecting your ears.

Here's what every fan, concertgoer, and parent should understand about noise, hearing loss, and how to stay ahead of it.

What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise-induced hearing loss is damage to the inner ear caused by exposure to loud sound. "It's damage to the inner ear that is caused from loud noises," Dr. Gerhart explains. That damage can begin at exposure levels of roughly 85 decibels and above, which is a lower threshold than most people expect.

What makes it especially concerning is that the damage is permanent. Unlike a scrape or a strained muscle, the delicate structures of the inner ear don't heal once they're harmed. The encouraging flip side is that noise-induced hearing loss is almost entirely preventable when you take a few simple precautions.

How Loud Are Sporting Events and Concerts, Really?

Louder than you might think. A typical hockey game runs somewhere between 100 and 110 decibels, and during a high-stakes playoff moment, the arena can climb to 115 decibels or more. Concerts, motorsports, and other live events fall in a similar range.

To put that in perspective, once you're past that 85-decibel mark, the length of time you can safely be exposed drops quickly as the volume rises. An afternoon or evening spent in a loud arena can add up to meaningful exposure, which is why protection matters even for events you only attend occasionally.

How Can You Protect Your Hearing Without Missing the Fun?

You don't have to skip the events you love. Dr. Gerhart emphasizes that a few proactive habits go a long way. Give your ears periodic breaks by stepping out to the concourse between periods or sets, be mindful of how close you are to speakers and sound sources, and, most importantly, use quality hearing protection designed for the environment you're in.

"Just because we have to protect our hearing doesn't mean we can't enjoy the game." — Dr. Hunter Gerhart

The goal isn't to mute the experience. It's to enjoy it safely.

What Hearing Protection Options Are Available?

Not all hearing protection is the same, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use it. Livingston Hearing Aid Centers offers a range of options:

Standard earplugs reduce overall sound and work well for general loud environments. Musician's and concert earplugs are engineered to lower the volume while preserving sound clarity, so music and voices still come through naturally rather than sounding muffled. And for those who want the most versatility, there are custom devices that actively amplify the sounds you want to hear, even for people who already have some hearing loss, while automatically protecting against loud or sudden noises.

Those custom devices are comfortable, discreet, and Bluetooth-compatible, so you can make adjustments right from your smartphone. As Dr. Gerhart points out, they let you "hear everything around you" while still guarding against the noise that causes damage.

What Are the Warning Signs of Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss tends to develop gradually, which is exactly what makes it so easy to miss. "A lot of times it is more severe by the time that it's noticeable," Dr. Gerhart says. By the time you're aware something has changed, the loss may already be significant.

Common early signs include a persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), frequently asking others to repeat themselves, and turning the television up louder than everyone else in the room prefers. But the sign Dr. Gerhart hears most often from patients is a specific and telling one: "I can hear, but I can't understand." When speech starts to sound present but muddy, especially in noisy settings, it's a strong signal that it's time for an evaluation.

Can Hearing Loss Be Treated?

There is no cure for hearing loss at this time, but it is highly treatable. "We do treat hearing loss all day long with hearing aids," Dr. Gerhart says. The right solution depends on the severity of the loss and the listening environments you spend the most time in, which is why a professional evaluation is the essential first step.

Today's hearing aids are a far cry from the devices of decades past. Many are custom-fit for all-day comfort, connect to your smartphone, and let you fine-tune your listening experience on the fly.

When Should You See an Audiologist?

If you or a loved one is experiencing ringing in the ears, straining to follow conversations, or that "I can hear but can't understand" feeling, it's worth having your hearing evaluated. Early awareness gives you the widest range of options, whether that's proactive protection or treatment.

Livingston Hearing Aid Centers has locations across Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Oklahoma, and our audiologists are here to help you protect the hearing you have and address any changes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what volume does hearing damage start?

Hearing damage can begin at sound levels of about 85 decibels and above. The louder the sound, the less time it takes to cause harm.

How loud is a hockey game or concert?

Live events like hockey games typically range from 100 to 110 decibels, and can reach 115 decibels or higher during peak moments. That's well above the level at which hearing damage can occur.

Can I protect my hearing and still enjoy loud events?

Yes. Taking breaks from the noise, keeping distance from speakers, and wearing quality hearing protection all let you enjoy the event while significantly reducing your risk.

What are the early signs of hearing loss?

The most common signs are ringing in the ears, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV, and feeling like you can hear sound but can't understand words clearly.

Is noise-induced hearing loss permanent?

Yes. Damage to the inner ear from loud noise is permanent, which is why prevention is so important. However, it is also highly preventable.

Can hearing loss be treated?

While there is no cure, hearing loss is effectively treated with hearing aids, which are customized to your specific type of loss and lifestyle.