Hear the Cheering, protect your hearing: How to protect your ears during the World Cup
One of the biggest sporting events, the world cup, is now well underway. With the world cup only taking place every four years, fans can finally set aside their club rivalries, put the banter to rest and finally get together to watch their country finally bring the trophy home.
We know how Important football is to millions of people, whether you are at home, the pub or chanting along with thousands of fellow fans live at the stadium, it gets loud. Hearing the crowd singing, clapping and cheering in anticipation when their team is on the attack, and the celebrations that follow after your team scores that long awaited goal, these are all a core part of football.
The atmosphere is the most important part of football, and we want you to enjoy that to its fullest while keeping your ears safe, as we don’t want the whistling to remain long after the 90 minutes.
The safe sound exposure levels range between 15dB (leaves rustling) and 80dB (busy traffic). This is the level where it is safe to listen to indefinitely. The average level for a busy sporting event such as a busy football match is 110dB, which is safe to be exposed to for only 1 minute 42 seconds. Being exposed to this noise, especially during an event as big as the world cup, can leave long-lasting effects which can negatively impact your experience in the future.
This isn’t limited to just attending live matches, as many of us will be watching the games at the pub with friends or family, or at fan zones, which will still be packed with hundreds of people. The average sound level for a busy pub is 106dB which is safe for 3 minutes 45 seconds.
Protecting your hearing is important so you can enjoy the world cup to its fullest without putting your hearing health at risk. Wearing earplugs will help to lower the loudness but keep the clarity, so you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere to its fullest. You can find some guidance on safe exposure levels here.
Here are some tips to protect your hearing in busy settings:
Many people will be going to pubs or restaurants to watch the games with their friends and family. To enjoy the game as safely as possible, you can:
- ask to be seated in a booth or the quietest area away from the bar, sound speakers or open kitchen
- ask staff to turn down the music if it is overpowering
- switch places with someone to get the best possible spot for your hearing – if your tinnitus is one-sided, have the ‘good’ ear nearest to people
You may want to host or go to someone’s house to watch the games as a group, and there is bound to be a lot of shouting and cheering throughout the game.
There’s often loud music, and with everyone talking, it creates a confusing wall of sound.
The same tips about acoustics and reducing the distance from loud sounds apply. You might also want to move outside or to a quieter room if you can. If the party is very noisy with loud music, wearing earplugs can help to protect your ears.
Try to focus on one person at a time instead of lots of people in a group. Get as close to the person talking as personal space (and your comfort level) allows.
Walk into the party knowing you won’t hear everything. Give yourself some leeway, relax and let some conversations go by.
If you are going to watch the games live, wearing earplugs is very important as the atmosphere will exceed the safe listening limit. You will still be able to take in the atmosphere at a safe level.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the noise, consider taking a break by going to a quieter area if possible.
Enjoying the world cup safely
These tips are here to help you enjoy the next six weeks to its fullest while keeping your ears safe. You don’t need to sacrifice your social life because of tinnitus; you can enjoy it to its fullest. Whether you’re celebrating a last-minute goal, shouting at a loss, or hopefully witnessing your country lifting that trophy, you can join in safely.
If you or someone you know have tinnitus and need support & guidance on how to protect your hearing, call our free helpline: 0800 018 0527. You can also access our free online webchat by clicking the icon on the bottom right of your screen.
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