Protecting your hearing on the dancefloor: a practical guide for drum and bass fans

Drum and bass is built on bass, and bass is felt as much as it is heard. A good sound system can move your chest, your clothes and the floor. It is part of the thrill. It is also a reminder that sound is energy, and that too much of it, for too long, can harm your hearing.

Why it matters

Hearing damage from loud sound usually builds slowly and cannot be reversed. Health bodies warn that sustained exposure above roughly 85 decibels can damage hearing, and club systems often run well above that. Symptoms include ringing in the ears, called tinnitus, muffled hearing after a night out and difficulty following conversation in noise. The sensible time to act is before any of those appear.

Choose the right earplugs

Foam plugs reduce volume but muffle the sound. Plugs designed for music, often called musician's or high fidelity plugs, lower the level more evenly across the frequency range, so the music keeps its clarity. They are inexpensive, come in small cases that fit a pocket and are available online and in many music shops. Learn how to insert them properly, so they seal and stay put.

Move away from the speakers

Volume drops with distance from the source. A few metres further from the stack can make a major difference. Never stand directly in front of a bass bin, and avoid leaning against a speaker. The middle of the room is often the best place to hear a balanced sound.

Take breaks

Give your ears time to recover. Step into a quieter area for fifteen minutes every hour or so, and go outside for fresh air. If a venue has a chill-out room, use it. This also helps you stay hydrated and aware of how you feel.

Know the warning signs

If your ears ring when you leave, or if sounds seem dull the next morning, you have probably been exposed to too much. Give them rest: avoid loud music for at least a day or two. If the ringing continues, or you notice a hearing change, see a doctor. Hearing tests are quick and simple.

Talk to your venue

Good venues keep their levels within legal limits and are open to feedback. If a room feels painfully loud, tell the staff, politely. Some venues offer free earplugs at the bar or the door. Supporting those that do encourages others to follow.

A long career on the dancefloor

Many of the people who built drum and bass are still playing and dancing decades later. They tend to have one habit in common: they look after their ears. Wearing earplugs does not take away the fun. It means you can still enjoy the music, and still hear the details in it, years from now.