Enjoy Amplified Music & Avoid Ringing Ears (Tinnitus)
    
(Long Island, N.Y.)  Summer bashes, proms, outdoor concerts, June weddings— it’s the season for dancing in front of LOUD speakers.   Unfortunately, overly amplified music can easily lead to a temporary, or even permanent, ringing in the ears, a condition called tinnitus.  It can also lead to hearing loss.
 
There are several steps one can take to avoid that ringing sensation and still enjoy the music.  “Try to position yourself at least ten feet away from loud speakers,” suggests audiologist Stephen Glasser, Au.D., director of Long Island Audiology.  He cautions that  the louder the volume of the music, and the longer the exposure to it, the more persistent the ringing can be.  “And refrain from shouting in someone else’s ear to be heard—you don’t want to damage a friend’s hearing.”  
    
At dance clubs, music has been known to reach 115 decibels, loud enough to cause hearing damage in seconds.
Dr. Glasser recommends drinking plenty of water, and limiting alcohol.  Being dehydrated, overheated or tired increases vulnerability.  “Alcohol is dehydrating,” says Dr. Glasser, “and as with drugs, lowers your sensitivity to warning signs of pain.”

“Remember to take a ten to thirty minute break from the music,” he adds.

When the music is just too loud, and asking the host to lower the volume is not feasible, consider inserting inexpensive foam ear plugs.  Ear plugs do not block sound out completely, and can be worn discreetly.  “If you go out dancing often, you might want to consider custom ear plugs that protect without distorting sound.”

Lastly, Dr. Glasser says “If your ears ring for a length of time, consider seeing an audiologist for an evaluation.”  
 
Long Island Audiology  (www.LongIslandAudiology.com) is located in Great Neck (1000 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, 516 482-0660) and Rockville Centre (195 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre, 516 536-5874)