How to Protect Your Hearing in Loud Bar Environments
Bars are seldom quiet, from tower speakers playing deafening music to groups boisterously celebrating. While these are part of the experience, the excessive noise can damage your hearing over time.
If you work in a bar or frequently go to one for cocktails, here are some ways to protect your ears in case it gets too loud.
Wear Hearing Protection
Sounds above 85 decibels can damage your hearing or even cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) with prolonged exposure. Loud crowds and amplified music can exceed that.
NIHL affects nearly 25% of adults aged 20-69 in America, but fortunately, wearing one of the following can reduce the risk of hearing damage:
Foam earplugs: These are usually disposable and available in drugstores.
Custom-fitted earplugs: Audiologists recommend these for people who are frequently exposed to loud noises. They’re custom-molded to stay snug in the wearer’s ears.
High-fidelity earplugs: These are reusable earplugs that muffles noise but also keep the original sound clear.
Noise-canceling headphones: Consider noise-canceling headphones if you’d rather listen to your own playlist while at a bar. They muffle low-frequency sounds and reduce noise.
Earmuffs: Earmuffs passively block mid- to high-frequency noise. They’re ideal if you find earplugs uncomfortable or even painful.
Canal caps: These have flexible tips that plug the ear canal and could have a metal or plastic band to keep them secure while you’re not wearing them.
Avoid Loud Areas
If you don’t have wearable hearing protection, the next best step is to step away from what’s making the noise. Change seats or tables if it’s a nearby rowdy group. If loud music is playing from several speakers around the bar, step out for a few minutes to give your ears a break.
Why Do Bars Often Have Loud Music?
Music affects how people drink and eat, and many bars make the most of that. According to a 2008 study, loud music in bars can make you drink more in less time, as it stimulates the nervous system. It can also make it hard for people to talk, which pushes them to refill their drinks to make up for the awkward silence.
According to a study by Broadcast Music, Inc., nearly 60% will buy more food and drinks just to hear more music. Eighty-two percent of the respondents agree that music can tell you what type of bar it is, while 80% will stay longer if they like what they’re listening to. Once bars have a music selection that fits their ambience, they usually stick to it, and most will play it loud to ensure everyone can hear it.
How to Tell If the Bar Is Too Noisy
It might be time to wear hearing protection or move to a quieter spot if:
You need to speak louder to be heard by someone at arm’s length away.
Your hearing seems muted after the noise stops.
You hear a ringing or buzzing sound for a few moments or constantly.
You feel discomfort or pain in your ears.
For a more proactive approach, you can also use sound level meter mobile apps for alerts if it gets too loud.
Prevent Hearing Damage in Bars
The best hearing protection is to avoid extremely noisy situations altogether. If you can’t avoid them at a bar, you can find multiple ways to keep your ears safe while mixing or enjoying your favorite cocktails.
The Balanced Bartender with Mia Barnes
Crafting the perfect cocktail is an art, but true mastery lies in balance—not just of flavors, but of creativity, precision, and passion. In a profession where long hours and high-energy are the norm, maintaining balance both behind the bar and in life is essential. The Balanced Bartender will help guide bartenders toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Stay in tune with your mind, body, and spirit.
The post How to Protect Your Hearing in Loud Bar Environments appeared first on Chilled Magazine.