Attending live music shows and concerts can be an exciting experience, allowing you to see your favorite performers up close and feel the energy of the crowd. However, for those with hearing loss, concerts can also present some challenges. With proper planning, you can fully enjoy live performances even if you are hearing impaired. Here are some tips to help you as a hearing-impaired person get the most out of a live performance.
Accessibility to research sites
The first thing to do when preparing to attend a concert is to research the venue’s accessibility. Many modern arenas and concert halls now offer assistive listening devices and seating options to accommodate guests with hearing impairments.
Call the venue ahead of time to ask about the hearing loop system, which transmits sound directly to hearing aids equipped with telecoils. Ask if they provide a receiver with headphones or if you will need to bring your own. Some venues may also have subtitle displays.
Check the venue’s website and read reviews to see if other customers have mentioned the availability of these services. You want to confirm what type of system is offered so you can prepare accordingly.
The venue may also have designated seating areas that provide a good view of the stage and reduce background noise. Even if you don’t use a chair, ask if there are priority wheelchair-accessible seats, as these locations often have the best views. Booking early helps secure them.
Invest in quality hearing aids
Wearing advanced hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to understand speech and music. Investing in high-quality headphones from leading brands, such as those at phonak.com/en-us/hearing-devices/hearing-aids, ensures you have the amplification and noise-canceling capabilities you need for a dynamic concert environment.
Key features like directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity, and telecoil compatibility optimize concert hearing aids. Directional microphones focus on the sound coming from the stage and minimize surrounding crowd noise. Bluetooth allows hearing aids to receive audio signals directly from the hearing aid system. Telecoils pick up magnetic signals from the auditory loop.
A professional audiologist can help you choose the right model and program your hearing aids specifically for concerts. Be sure to check and adjust your hearing aids regularly for optimal performance. Keeping them clean and well-maintained can also improve audio quality.
Protect your ears during loud performances
Concerts, especially rock and pop performances, can reach dangerously high noise levels. Make hearing protection part of your concert preparation to avoid damaging your residual hearing.
High-fidelity earbuds designed specifically for music are a great option for reducing dangerous levels of sound while still allowing you to hear your music. Avoid foam and other cheap plugs that deaden sound. Custom-molded plugs designed by an audiologist provide a more natural sound than disposable filters.
Also, be sure to take breaks during long performances to give your ears a rest. If the volume becomes uncomfortable, temporarily move to a quieter area such as a lobby. Limiting attendance at extremely loud concerts to several consecutive days can help prevent cumulative hearing loss over time.
Arrive early to test aids
Make sure you arrive with enough time before the show starts so that you can test any listening systems provided. Venues typically distribute hearing loop receivers and headphones at the information desk or accessible booths. The sooner you get there, the more time you have to make sure the equipment is functioning properly.
Double check that your hearing aid telecoil is activated so that you can access the signal from the hearing loop. Try adjusting the volume and position of the provided headphones to find the clearest sound balance between music and vocals. If you have any technical issues, please let the usher know immediately as it may take time to resolve the issue.
Organizing this equipment before the concert means you can focus on enjoying the show once it starts. You won’t miss the opening song playing around with unfamiliar equipment. Seating before the crowd also ensures you get the best accessible seat.
Sit near or away from the speakers
Strategically choosing your seating location based on the concert type and venue layout can significantly improve your listening experience.
For amplified concerts, sit close to the front-room speaker towers facing the crowd. Mix engineers adjust these speakers to project vocals and instruments in front of the audience. For people who have difficulty hearing, sitting closer to them can provide clearer, more balanced audio.
For quieter acoustic performances, it’s best to avoid the front row. Instruments on stage tend to overwhelm nearby vocals. In smaller venues, sit further back so you can hear the mix of frequencies better. Moving between songs can help you find your sweet spot.
Ask the ushers for recommendations on the best hearing-friendly seating areas for the show and venue. Please explain your needs when purchasing accessible tickets so the box office staff can guide you.
Enhance your hearing with smartphone apps
Specialized smartphone apps can enhance the sound you hear during live performances. Apps like SoundPrint provide real-time sound level measurements. This allows you to monitor whether the decibels exceed harmful levels and stay away or use ear protection if necessary.
Other apps act like portable assistive devices. Jacoti Listen illuminates and isolates vocals and instruments, making them clearer in noisy environments. AmpLIFY amplifies and clarifies sound through headphones.
Apps that display real-time lyrics synced to the music can also aid comprehension. Be sure to charge your device in advance and bring wired headphones, as Bluetooth may be interrupted. If there are subtitles on the app or venue screen, enable subtitles.
Attending a gig with friends who can relay lyrics and details you missed can provide extra support. Make sure to take breaks while actively listening to minimize fatigue.
Hearing loss can create challenges at live concerts, but with the right tools and preparation, you can have an equally fun and rewarding experience. Follow these tips to hear your favorite performers with clarity and comfort. From optimizing your hearing aids to an easy-to-use smartphone app, a few simple steps can make concerts easier and more enjoyable. With persistence and creativity in finding solutions, you can enjoy the excitement and energy of watching great live music.
