Elton John saved my hearing at Madison Square Garden with an explosive encore version of “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
Granted, the loud music did just the opposite of saving hearing ability. How was I to know? It was the first concert I’d ever been to - and the last one I went to without ear plugs. I loved the music, but hated the lingering roaring in my ears as my older friend drove us home. I remember thinking, “This can’t be good.”
Birders absolutely rely on good hearing, and for many loss of hearing would be just as detrimental as loss of sight. Hearing protection is readily available at any hardware store (I’m tempted to suggest CMBO’s stores carry them, too!), and is essential if you hope to continue hearing Cedar Waxwings and Blackburnian Warblers as you get older.
Ear plugs at a concert may seem a bit of an oxymoron, and definitely garner some funny looks if they are spotted, but you’d be surprised how well you can hear the music with the ear plugs in.
Of course, concerts are but one place where our ears are assaulted. In most venues, you are better off using ear muffs than ear plugs. Generally speaking, ear muffs designed for the purpose will reduce external sound more than ear plugs. I have the highest grade ear muffs available for when I operate power equipment, and wear ear plugs under them. Wherever I travel, you can bet there are some foam disposable ear plugs in my kit. These work great for sharing a room with someone who snores, but also get slid into my pocket if I’m going out to a bar or anywhere else where it can get loud.