The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is already underway, and thousands of visitors are immersing themselves in nights of beats, bass and unforgettable moments. But while festival-goers get carried away by the music, there are also countless professionals in the workplace - DJs, hospitality staff, security guards and first aid workers - who are exposed to dangerously loud noises for long periods of time. How often do you think about the consequences for their hearing?

According to clinical physicist-audiologist Dyon Scheijen A large number of visitors still do not wear hearing protection during events. But the problem is not just limited to visitors: workers in this environment are also at serious risk. “One third of the visitors never use earplugs, and only a quarter of the people who do wear them do so consistently,” says Scheijen. This article highlights why hearing protection is an absolute must not only for visitors, but especially for working professionals.

Hearing protection for workers in the event industry

DJs, hospitality workers, security guards and first aid workers work in environments where the noise level is often far above the safe limit of 80 decibels. Regular exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing impairment, resulting in tinnitus or even permanent hearing loss.

Dj Tjade de Vries, who works at festivals himself, knows better than anyone how important it is to protect your hearing. “When I was a student, I once forgot my earplugs during an afterparty, and that gave me a ringing in my ear that never goes away. Since then, I've always worn earplugs, especially when I'm at the turntable,” he says.

For hospitality staff and first aiders, who often work right next to the speakers for hours, the situation is similar. Wearing earplugs is not a luxury here, but a necessity. Due to the long-term nature of their work, these professionals can be even more at risk than the average visitor.

Why employers should offer hearing protection

It is not only wise for employers in the event and hospitality industry to offer hearing protection, but often also legally required according to the Working Conditions Act. Workers who are exposed to loud noises must be protected, and offering quality hearing protection is crucial here. Customized otoplastics, such as the AlpineMusicSafe Pro, are an excellent choice for workers in this sector. They offer long-term comfort and are equipped with interchangeable filters, so that employees always have the right level of protection without the music being distorted.

By offering hearing protection, as an employer, you not only ensure a safer workplace, but you also prevent hearing damage to your staff. This contributes to the well-being of your employees and helps to reduce absenteeism and high costs of disability.

Technological progress: better than ever

The technology for hearing protection has improved significantly in recent years. Where earplugs used to be seen as' dull ', they are now indispensable for both consumers and professionals. Dj Laura van Dam notes how the technology around earplugs has evolved: “Ear plugs with filters are now very affordable and offer excellent protection without losing the quality of the music. I myself use different filters so that I can hear the music clearly when I'm playing.”

This type of technological advancement makes it much easier for workers in the hospitality and event industries to protect their hearing without sacrificing work comfort or performance.

Hearing protection: the norm for employees

The perception of hearing protection is changing. Where it used to be seen as an accessory that could spoil the fun, it is now increasingly becoming the norm - for visitors and workers in the industry alike. Laura van Dam also notices this shift: “It's fantastic that you're now offered standard earplugs at many festivals. More and more people in the industry are also beginning to understand the seriousness of hearing damage.”

The same applies to DJs, hospitality staff, security guards and first aid workers. Hearing protection is not only necessary to do their work safely, but also required.

Tips for employers in the event industry

Offering hearing protection to staff is a small investment with major benefits. Here are a few tips for effectively integrating hearing protection into your business operations:

• Provide all employees with customized otoplastics: This offers better protection and comfort than standard earplugs, which is essential for employees who work long hours.
• Ensure adequate education: Inform your employees about the risks of hearing damage and the benefits of wearing hearing protection consistently.
• Make hearing protection accessible: Make sure that sufficient hearing protection is available at every event so that no employee is left without it.

Protect your staff and comply with the law

Music events are a great experience, but they come with serious risks for workers in this environment. DJs, hospitality staff, security guards and first aid workers are exposed day in, day out to noise levels that can cause permanent damage. By offering hearing protection, you not only ensure the safety of your employees, but you also comply with legal requirements. At Seeh, we offer customized otoplastics designed specifically for professionals, with long-term comfort and optimal noise reduction.

Source citation: This article was inspired by the campaign by Amsterdam Dance Event and I Love My Ears, as described in the Algemeen Dagblad of 14-10-2024.

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