Summer is the perfect season for festivals, concerts and other outdoor events. There are few things more enjoyable than seeing your favorite band play in the sunshine or listening to an orchestra perform your favorite composition under the stars, but when you have hearing aids, enjoying summer concerts and festivals can be a little more complicated.
No need to worry, though; with the right preparation and tips, you can enjoy these events just as much as anyone else. Below, you will find some simple tips and tricks to ensure you can enjoy those big summer music events just as much as anyone else.
Prepare Your Hearing Aids
Before you head out to the event, make sure your hearing aids are in optimal working condition. Fully charge your devices or have fresh batteries ready. You should also consider bringing along a portable charging case or spare batteries to ensure your hearing aids last throughout the event. clean, dry storage case can also be handy to protect your hearing aids if you need to remove them during the event.
Make Use of Your Hearing Aid’s Features
Many modern hearing aids come with features that can enhance your concert or festival experience. For instance, some have settings specifically designed for noisy environments that reduce background noise and amplify speech, making it easier to converse with your friends amidst the loud music.
Directional microphones can also be beneficial if you want to enjoy a concert in the sun. They focus on the sound coming from in front of you – typically where the stage would be – and reduce noise from the sides and back. Speak to your audiologist about how to best utilize these features in a concert or festival setting.
Protect Your Hearing
While it’s important to enjoy the music, it’s also vital to protect your hearing. Prolonged exposure to loud noise can potentially harm your hearing. That’s why you seriously should consider wearing hearing protection, like earplugs, which can lower the volume without distorting the music quality, so you can still enjoy the artists you love. You can still wear these earplugs with your hearing aids, so you really do not have to worry about sacrificing your hearing quality for safety. Your audiologist can guide you on how to use them effectively if you aren’t sure how to use both ear defenders and hearing aids together.
Take Frequent Breaks
When at a festival or concert, don’t hesitate to step away from the noise for a few minutes, especially if it is getting too much for you. These breaks can provide your ears with some relief and decrease the chance of auditory fatigue, so you can continue to enjoy the experience more effectively when you return. You can use this time out to check your hearing aids and make any necessary adjustments.
Hydrate and Stay Healthy
Hydration and overall health have a more significant effect on our hearing than you might realize. Dehydration and overheating can affect your hearing and the way your hearing aids function, and of course, it is very easy to get dehydrated at an outdoor event in the summer. That is why you should always make sure to drink plenty of water, and take care of your overall wellbeing if you want to be safe and enjoy the experience in a healthy way. Take a water bottle and drink from it regularly.
Consult Your Audiologist
Before you attend a summer concert or festival, it can be beneficial to have a chat with your audiologist about the event and what it means for your hearing health. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific hearing needs this summer. For example, they may adjust your hearing aids’ settings to better suit the loud environment or recommend specific hearing protection to maximize your enjoyment and protect your hearing health.
Find Out More About Your Concert Options
At Natural Hearing Centers, we’re committed to helping you enjoy all aspects of life, concerts and festivals included. Our team of expert audiologists is here to guide you on how to prepare for these events, protect your hearing, and make the most out of your hearing aids’ capabilities.
If you’re planning to attend a summer concert or festival and have questions about managing your hearing aids during these events, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us at (888) 221-9156 to schedule an appointment. Hearing well is living well and we are here to ensure you enjoy your favorite summer activities with ease. We look forward to hearing from you.
