RNID Audiology Manager Franki Oliver takes us behind the scenes of her recent Glastonbury adventure. This is what Franki told us, proving that you can fully enjoy the festival experience while protecting your hearing.
Festival fun and hearing health
As a huge music fan and one of RNID’s resident audiologists, I was thrilled to head to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival recently. Not only did I get to see some of my favourite artists, spend time with friends and soak up some rare sunny weather, I also had the perfect opportunity to share how you can enjoy the music and protect your hearing at the same time.
Here are my top tips – and some of my personal festival essentials – to help you make the most of the music without putting your ears at risk.
Festival essentials
I’ve made it, the tent is up, bag is unpacked, and I’m ready to explore the site (one of my favourite parts of the first day). If you’ve been to Glastonbury before, you’ll know that as well as being the greatest party on the planet, it can be a real test of your endurance. This is my 8th time at Glastonbury, and over the years, I’ve learnt that there are some things you absolutely should not leave your tent without.
Priority items for me are sun cream, ibuprofen gel (great for sore muscles and unexpected aches) and hand sanitiser (we’re at a music festival, need I explain?!).
Top of the list however, is definitely hearing protection.
Your ears will thank you
I never go to a festival without earplugs. Connevans – one of the UK’s leading suppliers of assistive tech, generously gifted me a pair of earplugs for the weekend. I always bring a couple of pairs – just in case I lose one (which has happened more than once).
The earplugs I was using all weekend were specially designed for listening to live music, with filters that reduce the volume to a safer level without muffling the sound. You still hear every beat, every drop and every vocal, but with none of the harmful noise. They’re much better than the foam kind for music, and they’re more environmentally friendly too – perfect for a green festival like Glastonbury.
Honestly, I find the sound is often better when I wear them. If I take them out mid-set, everything suddenly feels too loud. With earplugs in, I don’t get that post-gig ringing in my ears, and I know I’m protecting my hearing for the long term.
Check out the full range of hearing protection at Connevans. For every purchase made on our joint online shop, we receive a 10% donation.
Taking breaks from the music
It’s really important to pace yourself at festivals, and that includes your ears. So don’t forget to give your ears – and yourself – a break.
There are loads of quieter areas around the site where you can sit, relax, and recharge. My favourite places to get some quiet are the Healing Fields, the Theatre & Circus areas and the new Dragon’s Tail bar in Shangri-la, which are all still super close to the music, you don’t have to go far.
Even a five-minute breather getting some food, refilling your water bottle or going to the bar can make a big difference.
The day after the night before
Saturday night was amazing. The big debate this year was which Saturday headliner to see. There were so many options, but in the end I saw Charli xcx. Brat was one of my favourite albums from last year and it was incredible to see it live, it was so loud! I then headed over to Block 9 in the “Naughty Corner” – one of the festival’s biggest dance areas. It was even louder.
But thanks to my earplugs, I woke up on Sunday with no ringing in my ears and feeling great. So I made sure to pop them in again that day.
Bonus festival hack: free earplugs
Here’s a tip you might not know: most festivals, gigs, and clubs offer free earplugs – you just need to ask. If you forget yours, lose them, or leave them back at your tent, head to a bar or information point and speak to a member of staff.
They’re not only great for protecting your hearing in loud environments, but they’re also handy when trying to sleep if you’ve got a snorer in the tent next to you.
Final thoughts
Festivals are all about having fun, dancing to your favourite acts, and soaking up the atmosphere. But they can also be loud, so having fun whilst looking after your hearing is key.
Whether it’s reusable music earplugs or the free ones on site, make hearing protection part of your festival kit. Follow my top tips below, and you’ll be enjoying music for many years to come.
Franki’s top tips for protecting your hearing at live events
- Grab some earplugs. Earplugs come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and in a range of prices, from reusable filtered earplugs for clubbers and gig goers, to more high-tech custom-made versions for professionals. You can even get them in a range of different colours and designs. Whatever your preference, earplugs are great for protecting your hearing, whether you’re on a night out or at a music festival. And if you forget, don’t worry – most venues will have free earplugs available behind the bar (you just need to ask).
- Avoid the speakers. Whether you’re in a venue, festival field or nightclub, try and stay away from the speakers. The closer you are the greater the risk, and even short bursts of loud noise can cause hearing damage.
- Take a break. Take regular breaks from the loudest areas to give your ears a rest, around five minutes for every hour. Chill-out zones in clubs are perfect for this.
Protect your hearing
About Frankie
Franki Oliver is RNID’s Audiology Manager. With a background in clinical audiology in the NHS she is passionate about ensuring people who are deaf, have hearing loss and tinnitus have access to high quality audiology services. As a live music lover, Franki wants everyone to know that you can protect your hearing and still have an amazing time at gigs and festivals.