Scene
At a packed festival stage or inside a dark, smoke-filled club, it’s no longer unusual to see someone slipping in a pair of earplugs before the drop hits. Not to tune out – but to stay in it longer.
A new study published in The Laryngoscope suggests that EDM fans are leading the way when it comes to protecting their hearing at live events. Nearly half (47%) report using earplugs, compared to just 29% of rock fans and 23% of hip-hop fans. The difference is clear and it’s less about preference, more about routine.
In electronic music culture, sound isn’t just part of the experience – it is the experience. Extended sets, powerful sound systems, and high-volume environments are standard. That intensity is a big part of the draw, but it also brings risks. Many regulars know someone coping with tinnitus, and over time, hearing protection has shifted from a niche concern to a practical norm.
Tinnitus – persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears – is common among people regularly exposed to loud music, especially within electronic scenes. For some, it fades. For others, it’s permanent. Artists like Carl Cox and Ben Klock have spoken openly about the long-term impact, and as those conversations grow, so does general awareness.
That shift is changing habits. Wearing earplugs – especially high-fidelity ones made for live music—is no longer seen as uncool or unnecessary. Some festivals and venues even hand them out or sell them on-site. The message is catching on: protecting your ears doesn’t mean compromising the sound.
Still, most music fans – across all genres – aren’t quite there yet. The study shows that fewer than one in three regularly use hearing protection. It’s a slow shift, but EDM fans may be ahead of the curve, simply because their scene demands it.
The full study is available here.
