The Rise of Earplugs: A Millennial and Gen Z Trend Boosted by Taylor Swift's Tour

Earplugs are trending among millennials and Gen Z as more people become aware of the importance of protecting their hearing. Noise exposure-induced hearing loss is the only kind of hearing loss that is preventable, and even one incident in a loud environment can cause permanent damage. Concert earplugs with filters are recommended for music events to maintain sound quality, while foam earplugs are effective for general hearing protection. Sound levels above 80 decibels are harmful, and a decibel meter app can help determine the intensity of sounds. It is recommended to see an audiologist for a baseline hearing test around age 45. Custom earplugs made by an audiologist are considered the most comfortable and effective option for hearing protection.