Why Event Setup Crews Need Hearing Protection Just as Much as Performers

Behind the Scenes, the Noise Never Stops

When people think about hearing protection at concerts and festivals, they often focus on musicians and fans—but the event setup crew is exposed to just as much, if not more, dangerous noise. From soundchecks and rigging setups to power tools and generator hum, production teams deal with constant high-decibel noise for hours or even days before the show starts.

Yet, while artists wear in-ear monitors to protect themselves, many roadies, stagehands, and audio engineers go without any hearing protection—putting them at risk for permanent hearing damage over time.


The Hidden Noise Hazards in Event Production

Noise Source

Average Decibel Level (dB)

Safe Exposure Limit

Soundcheck (front of house)

100-115 dB

15-30 minutes

Line array speaker testing

120+ dB

Immediate risk

Power tools (drills, saws, rigging)

90-110 dB

1 hour or less

Diesel generators & HVAC systems

85-95 dB

8 hours

Forklifts & heavy equipment

90-100 dB

2 hours

Live event (backstage crew)

105-120 dB

10-15 minutes

 

Any prolonged exposure above 85 dB increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), yet event crews often work 12+ hour shifts in these environments.


The Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Hearing Protection

  • Gradual Hearing Loss – Many crew members don’t notice the damage until it’s too late.
  • Tinnitus (Constant Ringing in the Ears) – Even temporary ringing after a loud event can become permanent over time.
  • Difficulty Communicating on the Job – Damaged hearing makes radio calls and verbal cues harder to follow.
  • Higher Risk of Workplace Accidents – Hearing damage reduces awareness, making it easier to miss warning signals or approaching hazards.


Why Spares High Fidelity Earplugs Are the Perfect Solution for Event Crews

Unlike foam earplugs that block too much sound, Spares High Fidelity Earplugs are designed to lower dangerous noise levels while preserving speech clarity—so you can still hear your crew, radio calls, and important audio cues.

  • Reduces harmful noise without muffling communication – Stay protected while still hearing stage directions.
  • Comfortable for all-day wear – Soft, medical-grade silicone prevents ear fatigue during long shifts.
  • Reusable & cost-effective – Unlike disposable earplugs, Spares are built to last.
  • Ideal for all production roles – Perfect for stagehands, sound engineers, rigging crews, and logistics teams.


How to Make Hearing Protection Standard for Event Crews

  • Always keep earplugs in your gear bag – Make them as essential as gloves or multi-tools.
  • Wear them during soundchecks & setups – These are often the loudest moments of an event.
  • Encourage team-wide protection – Make sure everyone on the crew understands the risk and has access to quality earplugs.
  • Follow OSHA guidelines – If your work environment exceeds 85 dB, hearing protection is required, not optional.

Protect Your Ears, Protect Your Career

Live event production is a high-energy, high-noise industry, but hearing loss doesn’t have to be part of the job. With Spares High Fidelity Earplugs, event crews can work safer, hear better, and stay in the industry longer.

🎧 Turn down the noise. Keep the experience. Grab Your Spares today!