Earplugs: The festival must-have that isn't all created equal

Young music fans are increasingly adopting earplugs as a festival essential, moving beyond basic foam protectors to stylish, high-fidelity options. Brands like Loop are collaborating with major festivals, and their products are visible among crowds at events like Radio 1's Big Weekend. This trend reflects a growing awareness of hearing protection among younger demographics.

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They drown out the crowd a little bit and bring down the bass, because sometimes it can be really overwhelming and you can't hear properly

Paula, a 26-year-old attendee, explained that the newer earplugs help manage overwhelming bass and clarify the music, allowing her to enjoy performances without discomfort. "They drown out the crowd a little bit and bring down the bass, because sometimes it can be really overwhelming and you can't hear properly," she told BBC Newsbeat.

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younger, urban people

Arthur van Keeken, CEO of Alpine, notes that their earplugs appeal to "younger, urban people" who are more conscious of their hearing. He envisions a future where ear protection is as standard for music fans as helmets are for skiers. This shift is significant as hearing loss is a common disability, affecting about one in three UK adults, according to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID).

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The first day, the grass looks absolutely beautiful. Nice and green. After the first couple of days, it's OK. But at the end of the weekend it's looking pretty dead and it's probably not coming back. The same thing is happening with our ears when we expose them to loud noises

Franki Oliver, the RNID's audiology manager, uses a vivid analogy to explain the damage loud noise inflicts on the ear's delicate structures, comparing them to a patch of grass at a festival that becomes damaged by the end of the weekend. She welcomes the normalization of earplugs as an "accessory to a night out, rather than something you have to use." However, she cautions that, like ears, not all earplugs are created equal, highlighting the importance of choosing appropriate protection.

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accessory to a night out, rather than something you have to use