Ears Ringing After Concert: 3 Ways To Stop It - Healthline

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How to Stop and Prevent Your Ears from Ringing After a ConcertMedically reviewed by Justin Choi, M.D. — Written by Kathleen Pointer — Updated on April 25, 2023

How to stop ringing
How long does it last?
How to prevent ringing
See a doctor

If you have ringing in your ear, known as tinnitus, try to listen to calming sounds, distract yourself, or engage in activities that help reduce stress. If this doesn’t help, see a doctor for a more thorough diagnosis.

Going to a concert and rocking out can be an exhilarating experience. But if you hear muffled ringing in your ears, a phenomenon known as tinnitus, after the show, it may be a sign that you got too close to the speakers. This ringing happens when the loud noise damages the very fine hair cells that line your ear.

Long exposure to sounds over 85 decibels (dB) can cause hearing loss. Concerts tend to be about 115 dB or more, depending where you’re standing. The louder the sound, the shorter amount of time it takes for noise-induced hearing loss to occur.

The ringing you hear may be constant or sporadic. It may also appear as other sounds such as whistling, buzzing, or roaring. In most cases, tinnitus from concerts will resolve itself within a few days.

How to stop the ringing in your ears

While tinnitus can’t be treated immediately, there are things you can do to alleviate the noise in your ears as well as any stress caused by the ringing.

1. Play white noise or relaxing sounds

Ambient sounds like one in the video below can help mask the ringing in your ears.

2. Distract yourself

Distracting yourself from the noise with other external sounds can help divert your attention away from the ringing. Listen to a podcast or some quiet music. Avoid playing these sounds at maximum volume, since this can be as damaging to your ears as attending a concert.

3. De-stress

Yoga and meditation are helpful relaxation methods. Download a meditation app to clear your head of extra stress or irritation caused by the ringing.

To help your ringing ears

Avoid anything that may be making the tinnitus worse, such as other loud noises or stimulants like caffeine.
Use ear plugs if you know you’ll be exposed to louder sounds.
Refrain from alcohol, as it causes blood to flow into your inner ear and enhance the ringing.

Learn more about how to relieve stress through yoga.

How long does the ringing last?

Occasional exposure to loud noise can bring about temporary tinnitus. Ringing that’s accompanied by a muffled sound may also indicate noise-induced hearing loss. These symptoms often go away within 16 to 48 hours. In extreme cases, it may take a week or two. Further exposure to extremely loud noises can also trigger the ringing again.

Sometimes this hearing loss can develop into tinnitus that lasts more than six months. This is a common condition that may cause long-term issues, but is rarely a sign that you’re going deaf or have a medical problem.

If you’re a frequent concertgoer, performing musician, or find yourself exposed to loud noises often, you may want to take steps to prevent long-term hearing loss.

Hearing loss is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Learn more about it.

How can I prevent ringing in my ears?

It’s always a good idea to take steps to keep tinnitus at bay. Research shows that even if the ringing disappears, there may be residual long-term damage.

Understand what noises cause hearing damage, including concerts, motorcycles, and playing music at the loudest volume.
Wear earplugs when attending concerts. Some venues may sell cheap foam ones at coat check.
Limit how much alcohol you drink during a show or area with loud music. Blood flow to your ears can increase the sound of ringing.
Have your hearing tested if you think you may have hearing loss.

Shop for earplugs.

Should I see a doctor?

While there’s no cure for tinnitus, there is ongoing to research for the condition. Medical professionals are also ready to help you handle any long-term stress issues that may come up from dealing with tinnitus. Make an appointment with your doctor if the ringing lasts for more than a week. See a doctor as soon as possible if the ringing in your ears accompanies hearing loss or dizziness.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Noiseand hearing loss prevention. (2018).https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html
Noise-inducedhearing loss. (2017).https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss
Soundtherapies. (n.d.).https://www.ata.org/managing-your-tinnitus/treatment-options/sound-therapies
Tinnitus:Ringing in the ears and what to do about it. (2017).http://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/tinnitus-ringing-in-the-ears-and-what-to-do-about-it

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Medically reviewed by Justin Choi, M.D. — Written by Kathleen Pointer — Updated on April 25, 2023

Ears Ringing After Concert: 3 Ways To Stop It - Healthline

How to stop the ringing in your ears

1. Play white noise or relaxing sounds

2. Distract yourself

3. De-stress

To help your ringing ears

How long does the ringing last?

How can I prevent ringing in my ears?

Should I see a doctor?

How we reviewed this article:

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