Summer in Minnesota brings sunshine, lake days, and plenty of action—from concerts and ballgames to fireworks and weekend DIY projects. But all that fun often comes with a downside: noise. And too much noise—especially over time—can take a toll on your hearing.
While electronic hearing protection has its perks, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most practical. That’s where non-electronic hearing protection, like custom or over-the-counter earplugs and earmuffs, really shines. No batteries. No setup. Just easy, effective protection when you need it—for both adults and children.
When to reach for earplugs this summer
Here are a few common situations where basic hearing protection can make a big difference—for the whole family:
🎶 Outdoor concerts
There’s nothing like live music in the open air, but it can get loud—fast. A set of high-fidelity or filtered earplugs lets you enjoy every beat without the ringing in your ears afterward. They’re small enough to keep in your pocket or bag, so you’re always prepared. For children, consider earmuffs specifically designed for smaller heads and growing ears.
⚾ Cheering at sporting events
Whether you’re at a Saints game or watching your kids play at the local ballfield, crowd noise, announcements, and the crack of the bat can reach damaging volume levels. Foam earplugs or lightweight earmuffs help you stay protected without missing a moment of the action. Child-size earmuffs are a great choice for younger fans in the stands.
🛠️ Summer chores and projects
From mowing the lawn to tackling that garage workbench, many routine summer tasks involve prolonged exposure to loud tools. Earplugs or earmuffs can help you stay focused and protected while you get the job done. If your kids are nearby or helping with chores, consider outfitting them with appropriate hearing protection too. For target shooting or range time, non-electronic earmuffs remain one of the most reliable options.
🎆 Fireworks and festivals
The boom of fireworks and the hustle and bustle of summer festivals can be overwhelming—especially for kids’ more sensitive ears. Having child-friendly earplugs or earmuffs on hand ensures the whole family can enjoy the excitement without the risk of hearing damage.
“Here’s a simple life hack—pack those earplugs right next to your sunscreen. Custom earplugs mean comfortable, personalized hearing protection, so you can enjoy Minnesota’s vibrant, sometimes loud, summer to the fullest, for a lifetime.”
– Ashley Dosen, AuD, CCC-A, Minnesota ENT audiologist
How loud is too loud?
To put things into perspective, here’s a quick look at how everyday summer sounds stack up:
| Activity | Approximate Decibel Level | Risk of Hearing Damage? |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB | Safe |
| Lawn mower | 85–90 dB | Risk with prolonged exposure |
| Leaf blower | 90–100 dB | Risk within 15 minutes |
| Live concert | 100–110 dB | Risk within a few minutes |
| Fireworks (close range) | 140+ dB | Immediate damage possible |
Pro tip: Sounds above 85 decibels can start to damage your hearing over time. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to cause harm—and children’s ears may be even more susceptible.
Why choose non-electronic hearing protection?
Non-electronic hearing protection is simple, affordable, and effective—for all ages.
- Foam or silicone earplugs fit snugly in the ear canal to reduce sound levels.
- Earmuffs cover the entire ear and offer more robust protection in higher-noise settings.
- Child-specific models are designed to ensure a proper fit and better comfort for younger wearers.
Many options are comfortable enough for extended wear and easy to stash in a glove compartment, backpack, or beach bag.
NOTE: While both custom and non-custom hearing protection options are effective, custom hearing protection ensures a more consistent fit. Custom hearing protection is an excellent option for anyone who wants something small and discreet but has trouble properly inserting foam or other non-custom earplugs.
Stock up at Minnesota ENT
Your hearing is worth protecting—especially during the noisiest season of the year. Whether you’re heading to a concert, gearing up for fireworks, or just mowing the lawn, having reliable hearing protection on hand helps you enjoy summer to the fullest—without putting your ears, or your kids’ ears, at risk.
Need custom earplugs or advice on the best protection for your lifestyle? The audiology team Minnesota ENT is here to help. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an evaluation.
- Call us at 763-233-5755
- Text us at 763-265-6087
- Schedule with our new one-click messaging (click “Message us” in the lower right corner of your screen.)
Appointments are available in Golden Valley, Maple Grove and Robbinsdale.