Dear Reader,
Attending a Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert is an unforgettable experience! Amidst all the excitement, it is too easy to lose oneself and absolutely scream every lyric. So let's make preparations to protect your vocal health and your hearing, and of course the ears of your baby Swifties too. In this blog post, we will discuss some considerations for vocal hygiene and hearing loss prevention at a Taylor Swift concert for any era.
Vocal Hygiene
While extremely cathartic, straining to sing along to your 44 most favorite Taylor Swift songs for 3 hours and 15 minutes can be Treacherous for your vocal cords. You may lose your voice for a few days, but you also may acquire some more serious damage. Since I know that its Delicate, here are some tips to help you take care of your voice:
1. Stay hydrated: I Wish You Would drink plenty of water before and during the concert. This will help keep your vocal cords hydrated and prevent them from becoming dry and irritated.
2. Check the set list ahead of time: I already know what you're saying while you are reading #1. See, you don't even want to drink water because you don't want to miss a single moment for needing to use the toilet. But here's the thing- We know the set list! Just check the set list and you can easily prioritize your favorites. If you are like ME!, and don't want to miss a single song, there was a great opportunity in the transition right before the folklore era. I left at the end of ATWTVTMV and was re-entering the stadium just as she began the intro to The 1.
3. Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol both negatively impact your vocal hygiene. Alcohol is very drying to the vocal cords, which can exacerbate the impact on vocal cord damage. It is best to avoid them altogether or limit your consumption. There are some fireworks in the show when the Lover house burns, so this might also be a consideration if you are sensitive to smoke like I am.
4. Take breaks: If you feel your voice getting tired or strained, take a break from singing along. Give your vocal cords some rest and allow them to recover. I know it is hard, but maybe you can choose to just sing all the bridges instead, or take a break on the songs that don't resonate with you as much as Champagne Problems.
5. Do as I say and not as I do: For me, I had a really hard time not screaming every word or every song. Screaming is actually considered vocal abuse and can do real damage to your vocal folds. I know Tay is singing all the same songs without a break, but we must remember that she is a professional, and we don't have to be as loud as the speakers. After all, she isn't screaming the lyrics in the same way we are, and she knows we love her. At the concert, try to remind yourself to sing rather than scream. I know its hard to do, but Don't Blame Me.
6. Warm-up with Tay before the show: Just like a muscle, your vocal cords need to be warmed up. You can do some simple exercises like humming, lip trills, or pitch glides before the concert to help prepare your voice. (Of course, this works better if you are actually singing rather than screaming the lyrics during the show.)
7. Cough drops myth: Unlike popular belief, coughdrops are ineffective in preventing acute laryngitis (AKA losing your voice.) They may help a sore throat (pharyngitis) or help other symptoms related to the concert, but many medicated cough drops actually can dry out your vocal folds, which is the opposite of what you need during the concert.
8. Losing Your Voice: Should you lose your voice or become hoarse, you can complete a period of vocal rest (avoiding speaking) and hydration after the concert. Whispering is not vocal rest and can also make it worse. Soon You'll Get Better; you can expect your voice to return in 2-3 days. However, if you lose your voice for longer than one week, it is time to reach out to your ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) doctor to rule out more serious conditions such as vocal nodules.
Preventing Permanent Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a real concern at any concert. Per the CDC, prolonged exposure to loud noises over 70 decibels can damage hearing, and loud sudden noises above 120 decibels cause immediate damage to our ears. Concerts, especially those with loud music, can put you at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Most concerts are in the range of 90-120 decibels, which means, we definitely need to take measures to protect our hearing! I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' like I want to optimize my ability to hear every bop Tay records for the rest of my life! Here are some tips to help you protect your hearing and optimize your music-listening experience with longevity:
1. Wear earplugs: packing along some earplugs can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage. They will not only lower the volume but also improve the sound quality, allowing you to enjoy the concert without sacrificing your hearing. You can pop into the drug store for some disposable earplugs or you can invest in a custom pair, which I'd recommend for regular concert-goers. (Check some out here)
2. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks from the noise can help give your ears a rest and reduce the risk of hearing damage. If possible, step outside or move to a quieter area for a few minutes before returning. As I mentioned before, you can become a Mastermind of the set list so that you can optimize your time at the concert and know exactly when to dash off for a break.
3. Keep a safe distance: The closer you are to the speakers, the higher the risk of hearing damage. You may not be able to control this factor as much, since tickets are so hard to come by, and you may not have much of a choice for your seating. If you can, try to keep 25 feet from any speakers, and be mindful of the volume level.
4. Limit exposure: If you attend multiple concerts in a short period, or if you regularly expose yourself to loud music, you are at higher risk of hearing damage. Try to limit your exposure to loud music and give your ears enough time to recover. Take a breather. Maybe don't get floor seats for all 3 nights. Be mindful of the audio in the car on the way home.
5. If you aren't wearing protection, you are likely to experience diminished hearing, tinnitus, or pain in the days following the concert. If any of these symptoms lasts longer than 3 days, or worsen over time, you should contact an audiologist to address these concerns.
Attending a Taylor Swift concert is undoubtedly an incredible experience, and it is important to make preparations to care of your vocal hygiene and protect your hearing. By following the tips outlined here, you can enjoy the concert while keeping your vocal cords and ears healthy. Have a marvelous time (without) ruining everything!
Forever and Always,
Rachel
Comments