WITH the excitement of festival season, Specsavers are reminding festivalgoers to prioritise their health and safety amidst the music and celebrations. While enjoying the atmosphere is key, protecting your hearing and vision is crucial for a fulfilling festival experience and beyond.
‘Festivals are incredible experiences, but prolonged exposure to loud music can have lasting impacts on your hearing,” says Martina McNulty, Specsavers audiology chair of Ireland. ‘Normal conversations sit around 65 decibels, but concerts often reach levels between 95-120 decibels. This can cause temporary hearing loss, tinnitus, and even permanent damage with repeated exposure’.
To protect your hearing, Specsavers recommends the following:
Use Protection: Invest in high-quality earplugs specifically designed for concerts and festivals. Custom fit hearing protection can be found here.
Strategic Positioning: Maintain a safe distance from speakers, aiming for at least 10 feet to minimize direct sound exposure.
Take Breaks: Give your ears a break from the intense noise by periodically stepping away from the music and into quieter areas.
Seek Quiet Zones: Most festivals offer designated quiet zones or chill-out areas. Take advantage of these spaces to relax and give your ears a rest.
Mindful Conversations: Resist shouting over the music. Keep conversations to a minimum or move to quieter locations to avoid straining your voice and ears.
Drink Responsibly: Alcohol can impair your judgment of sound levels, making you less aware of potential damage.
‘Remember, once hearing loss occurs, it’s often irreversible’, adds Martina. ‘Taking precautions now can protect your hearing for years to come’.
Protecting your vision is equally important, especially with prolonged exposure to the sun. Kerril Hickey, Specsavers Ireland Chair, advises, ‘UV rays from the sun can be harmful to your eyes, potentially leading to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even eye cancer’.
Kerril recommends these tips for maintaining optimal eye health during festival season:
Sunglasses Must Haves: Choose sunglasses with a CE, BSEN1836, or UV400 mark, ensuring they block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Contact Lens Hygiene: If camping, prioritise hand hygiene when handling contact lenses. Wash your hands thoroughly and use fresh solution to prevent infections.
‘Don’t let preventable health issues put a damper on your festival fun’, concludes Hickey. ‘By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy the music and atmosphere while safeguarding your health for festivals to come’.
For more information on protecting your hearing and vision, visit your local Specsavers store or https://www.specsavers.ie/
