With the arrival of Rock in Rio 2024 which will start this Friday (13), some health precautions deserve an extra warning. In addition to hydration, especially with low air humidity and high temperatures, it is also necessary to look for alternatives to enjoy the festival without causing damage to the auditory system.
THE CNN the ENT doctor Natalia Prudencio a specialist in dizziness and tinnitus, explains that, loud sounds harm the hearing depending on the time and intensity of exposure, it can damage, mainly, cells that are inside the cochlea, that is, the structure in the ear responsible for receiving the sound stimulus.
“I am talking about outer hair cells, which are cells that can be damaged by noise and this damage can be temporary, returning to normal function. However, the damage can also be permanent, and they no longer regenerate,” he says.
Nathália also adds that hearing symptoms are common after situations where there is intense exposure to noise – such as at concerts and parties. “The most common is tinnitus, felt as soon as you leave the environment. There is also the sensation of blocked and muffled ears,” she adds.
The ideal levels to keep your hearing protected
According to the expert, to prevent hearing damage, the WHO (World Health Organization), recommends avoiding noise above 85 decibels, although this limit may be lower for people with some type of sensitivity or hearing problem.
Estimates from the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngologists and Cervicofacial Surgery indicate that noise at concerts and festivals can reach 120 decibels, especially for those close to the speakers – which is close to a noise level similar to that of an airplane turbine.
“The exposure limit considered safe for sounds of 85 decibels is 8 hours per day. For sounds of 110 decibels, the guidance is not to exceed 30 minutes and, for sounds of 120 decibels, only 15 minutes,” it indicates.
See below for tips to avoid future problems
- Avoid spending long periods of time near sound
It is necessary to avoid being close to high-intensity sound sources – such as sound boxes – for long periods of time without stopping. “Even if you really want to see your favorite band or singer, this exposure can damage your hair cells,” explains Nathália.
- Use ear protectors
For those who don’t want to give up a spot on the grid, the tip is to use ear protectors. “The market offers several products, including options designed for events, such as plugs with filters that preserve sound quality, even with protection,” he explains. “People who use hearing aids for hearing loss or tinnitus, however, should adjust them or even remove them in order to avoid worsening the condition,” he warns.
- Take breaks to rest your ears
“Throughout the event, it is recommended to take breaks in quiet environments, preferably every hour at most, to allow the structures of your ear to recover properly,” he says.
- Know when to take a break
“If you notice any unusual hearing changes during the festival, it is highly recommended to stay away from loud noises. These symptoms indicate that your auditory system has suffered significant damage and remaining exposed to high-intensity sounds can worsen the situation,” he points out.
When should I seek help?
The doctor concludes by explaining that, when noticing any of the discomforts mentioned above, it is important to remain alert.
“If symptoms persist for more than a day, it is best to see an otolaryngologist to assess your hearing. Once hearing loss has been confirmed, a treatment strategy will be developed to prevent the condition from worsening and ensure the patient is as well-suited to the condition as possible,” he concludes.
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This content was originally published in Rock in Rio 2024: see tips for protecting your ears at the festival on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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