The smell of cotton candy, flashing lights, screaming children in the carousel and music everywhere that is just a little too loud: the fair is an annual highlight for many people. Strolling along attractions with friends or family, playing games or just enjoying the atmosphere. But there is one thing that is often forgotten: earplugs. Because no matter how much fun the carnival is, your ears have to put up with a lot.
In this blog, we dive into the noise of the carnival, why it’s smart to protect your hearing and how you can still enjoy yourself to the fullest without going home at night with squeaky ears.
How loud is it actually at the fairgrounds?
You may be thinking, oh well, it can’t be that bad, can it? But noise levels at a carnival don’t lie.
- Attractions: roller coasters, bumper cars and thrill rides often play music from 90 to as high as 110 decibels.
- Play stalls: shouting staff, loud jingles and microphones easily lift the noise level above 95 decibels.
- Environment: as music and noise mix everywhere, the decibels pile up.
By comparison, starting at 80 decibels, prolonged exposure can be harmful to your hearing. And anything over 100 decibels can cause hearing damage within 15 minutes. That means an afternoon listening to bumper cars can actually be just as damaging as a concert.
The risk of a ringing in your ears
Everyone knows it: coming home after a fair day and finding that your ears are still reverberating. You often hear a squeak or feel like you’re in some kind of “cotton ball.” This is not a harmless side effect, but a sign that your ears have had to take on too much.
That temporary squeak may go away on its own, but each time it does, you run the risk of the damage becoming permanent. This is because hearing cells don’t recover much, if at all. Just as you don’t get a second set of knees, you also don’t have spare ears.
Earplugs as your secret weapon
Fortunately, the solution is simple: earplugs. And no, they really don’t ruin the experience. In fact, many people find the music and sound more enjoyable with earplugs in because it’s less shrill and loud.
There are several varieties that you can easily take to the fair:
- Universal Earplugs
Convenient and affordable. They attenuate noise by about 15-20 decibels, so you can still hear everything, but a lot safer. - Custom-made earplugs
Comfortable and with a filter that attenuates sound more fairly. Perfect for people who often go to events. - Ear muffs for children
For kids, special hearing protectors with a headband are ideal. They sit securely, are comfortable and protect sensitive children’s ears from the carnival rush.
But will you still hear anything?
A common concern: “Surely with earplugs I can’t hear anything anymore?” Fortunately, that’s a misconception. Modern earplugs are not like those foam plugs you try to sleep with on an airplane.
Filters in music or festival earplugs ensure that the sound remains clear as usual, just not as loud. So you can still enjoy the beat at the bumper cars or cheer your child on while catching ducks. And the best part: at the end of the day, you still have energy left instead of noise and a squeak.
Earplugs as an integral part of your carnival outfit
We worry about our outfit – sneakers that can stand up to a round of haunted house, a jacket that’s not too warm but protects against rain, and of course enough change for coins. Why shouldn’t earplugs be a standard part of that?
Put them in your jacket pocket or purse, and you’re always prepared. Just as you take your sunglasses with you on a summer day, take your earplugs to the fair.
Fair with children: extra important
Children love the fair: lights, rides and candy. But their hearing is even more sensitive than that of adults. A child’s ear is smaller, so sound comes in louder. So an hour at the bumper cars can have even more impact on them than on you.
That’s why children’s ear muffs are a top investment. They are comfortable, protect well and allow your child to enjoy the carnival longer without getting overexcited or tired of all the noise.
Tips for a hearing-friendly fair day
- Take earplugs with you: put them in your bag or pocket as standard.
- Insert a break: find a quiet spot every now and then to let your ears recover.
- Keep your distance from speakers: the closer you are to the sound source, the louder it comes on.
- Protect children: give them ear muffs if you know you will be staying at attractions for a long time.
- Recognize signs: a squeak or ringing in the ears afterwards means it was actually too much.
Hearing fitness: think long-term too
One fair visit won’t immediately destroy your ears, but think of it as adding up. Like exercising too often without a warm-up, you slowly build up damage. Protection ensures that you will still be able to enjoy music, conversation and yes – even the fair in ten, twenty or thirty years.
Conclusion
The fair is a feast for your senses, but it can also be a strain on your hearing. With earplugs you can enjoy the next fair without a ringing in your ears. You can still hear everything, but just a little more safely and comfortably.
So when you head toward the bumper cars, shooting gallery or carousel this year, don’t forget to bring your secret weapon. Going to the carnival? Don’t forget your earplugs!
