Prevent hearing loss after concerts

Prevent hearing loss after concerts

09/06/2011

For many, the visit to music festivals in the open air is part of the right summer feeling. Anyone who has just sung with the appearance of the favorite band, often feels on the way home a beep in the ear and perceives environmental noise only as through cotton wool: Loss of hearing, many think. In general, however, experts give the all-clear, because already the next day, the music lovers usually regain their full hearing. If deafness or beeping persists for more than three days, seek medical attention.

„Loss of hearing is the most common disease of the inner ear“, explains Dr. Uso Walter, practicing ENT doctor and CEO of the HNOnet NRW, an association of established ENT doctors. „The sudden and usually without apparent cause symptoms range from hearing loss in one ear to complete hearing loss. Dizziness, a feeling of pressure in the ear and tinnitus, ie annoying ear noises, often accompany these phenomena.“ Stress, but also prolonged exposure to noise, for example due to loudly set music in iPod & Co. are considered to be favorable factors for an acute hearing loss. To avoid permanent damage, experts advise in case of suspected acute hearing loss to visit the ENT doctor immediately. This then decides on further therapeutic measures. And the concert fans advises Dr. Walter: „Absolutely avoid the immediate proximity to the jukeboxes and provide themselves with earplugs. This also prevents short-term hearing loss.“ (Pm)