The Real Aftershock of Game Day? It Might Be in Your Ears

This article was written by Rich Harrell, Ph.D., a HearingLoss.com^®-Certified provider at The Hearing Clinic in Salem and Blacksburg, Virginia.

Whether you’re a dedicated Hokie, a student in the marching band, or a parent bringing kids to the excitement of college football, game day is electric. The roar of thousands of fans, the cheer of the student section, and the pulse of the band create an atmosphere that’s unforgettable.

But amid the exhilaration, there’s an often-overlooked risk: hearing loss from loud football games. Stadium noise levels can easily surpass safe limits, making hearing protection on game day more important than you might think.

Learn about the risks of noise-induced hearing loss at games, who’s most vulnerable, and how to protect your hearing without missing a moment of the action. Whether you visit Lane Stadium or any other college football venue, this information will help you guard and preserve your hearing health for the long term.

How Loud Are College Football Venues Like Lane Stadium?

College football stadiums are known for their intense noise, and Lane Stadium at Virginia Tech is no exception. The school’s pregame, featuring the roar of the crowd and the Metallica song “Enter Sandman,” was measured at a peak 126.2 decibels (dB) during the 2017 season, per a list compiled by FirstPoint USA, a sports scholarship and university admissions service.

Exposure to sounds at 85 dB can begin damaging your hearing in just a few hours. At 100 dB, that damage can start in just 14 minutes. Even short bursts of loud sound can harm your ears. The cumulative effects of noise exposure from just a few events per year can add up, leading to irreversible hearing changes over time.

Other prominent stadiums have registered similar or higher levels. Per FirstPoint USA’s website:

• The University of Washington’s Husky Stadium in Seattle has reached 133.6 dB during a record peak moment.
• Memorial Stadium at Clemson University in South Carolina has hit nearly 133 dB.
• Autzen Stadium in Oregon has measured 127 dB.

Can Young People Get Hearing Loss From Football Games?

Yes. There’s a misconception that hearing loss is a concern only for older adults, but noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can affect anyone at any age. College students, teenagers, and even young children are vulnerable if they’re exposed to excessive noise, especially without protection.

NIHL occurs when loud noise damages the sensitive hair cells in the cochlea, tiny structures in the inner ear responsible for converting sound into electrical signals. These hair cells don’t grow back. Science is working on changing that. In the meantime, however, damaging or destroying these sensitive hair cells often means permanent hearing loss.

About 1 in 20 people, including younger folks, have noise-related hearing loss from various sources, including excess recreational volumes. And over a billion young people are vulnerable to irreversible hearing loss from unsafe listening habits, making it important to raise awareness early and normalize prevention.

Many sections of a stadium consistently exceed safe noise levels. Regardless of your age, if you leave a game with ringing in your ears, muffled hearing, or a sense of “fullness” in your ears, it’s a potential sign your ears have been overexposed and could be at risk for lasting harm.

Who Is Most at Risk for Hearing Damage at Football Games?

While any fan can experience hearing damage at a loud event, certain groups are particularly at risk:

• Marching band members, who often perform close to amplifiers and brass instruments for extended periods
• Students and fans seated in or near the student section, where crowd noise is often the most intense
• Children and teens, whose ears are still developing and may be more susceptible to damage
• Families seated close to speaker arrays or sideline public-address systems
• Staff or volunteers working in stadiums regularly without hearing protection
• Anyone who already has a hearing issue or related condition, such as those with tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head) or mild hearing loss

Exposure builds over time. That means regular attendees, students with season tickets or band members who perform weekly, may face a cumulative risk that can increase with each game.

What’s the Best Hearing Protection for Football Games?

The good news is that you don’t have to miss a second of the game to protect your hearing. In fact, today’s quality hearing protection options are designed with your optimal experience in mind. They lower volume while maintaining sound clarity, so you still feel like you’re part of the crowd.

The most recommended solutions include:

• Earmuffs — Over-the-ear earmuffs can offer solid noise reduction and can be a good resource for children or those who find in-ear options uncomfortable. They’re easy to use and can be worn over hearing aids in many cases. Still, they’re often bulky and may not fit securely for long periods.
• High-fidelity earplugs — These are designed for listeners who want to lower the volume without sacrificing audio detail. Instead of muffling sound, they preserve the richness of engine noise, commentary, and crowd energy.
• Custom-molded earplugs — Made from impressions of your ears, these offer superior comfort, better acoustic sealing, and more precise attenuation, which means you get the protection you need while still enjoying every moment.

Foam earplugs, readily available and inexpensive, can provide broad noise reduction in a pinch but tend to muffle sound and can make it harder to enjoy the clarity of what you want to hear. For an optimal sound experience, high-fidelity alternatives help fans enjoy the excitement while staying safe.

What Are Common Myths About Wearing Earplugs at Games?

Misinformation may be one of the biggest reasons some fans skip hearing protection. Here are some common myths and the facts to know:

Myth 1: “I won’t hear the game or the crowd if I wear earplugs.”
Fact: High-fidelity earplugs reduce harmful decibels but preserve the quality of the sound. You’ll still hear the game and the band but at a safer level.

Myth 2: “Only older adults need to worry about hearing loss.”
Fact: NIHL is increasingly common in young adults. Regular exposure to stadium-level noise without protection raises the risk, regardless of age.

Myth 3: “Earplugs are uncomfortable and fall out easily.”
Fact: Some disposable earplugs can shift if not fitted right. Many may now come in different sizes or designs. Custom earplugs offer a more secure, comfortable fit.

Myth 4: “Wearing earplugs will make me look weird.”
Fact: From earbuds to hearing aids, in-ear devices are common, are often inconspicuous, and are more widely accepted each day. Protecting your hearing is a sign of awareness, not awkwardness.

What Should You Pack to Protect Your Hearing on Game Day?

Game-day gear usually includes sunglasses, hats, and team shirts, but hearing protection deserves a place on that list. Here’s what to pack to keep your ears safe without missing a beat of the fun:

• High-fidelity earplugs — These specially designed earplugs reduce harmful noise levels while preserving sound clarity, so you can still hear the game, the band, and the crowd without distortion.
• Volume-limiting headphones for young children — Kids’ ears can be especially sensitive to loud noises. Volume-limiting headphones cap the maximum sound exposure, preventing sudden spikes from overwhelming their hearing.
• A small, clean storage case to keep plugs or headphones protected — Earplugs and headphones can easily get lost or damaged if tossed into bags unprotected. A compact case helps keep them clean, safe, and accessible during the game, ready to use when needed.
• Optional extras like backup earplugs or comfort accessories — Sometimes earplugs can get uncomfortable during long games, or you might misplace a pair. Having extras on hand, along with earplug cleaning wipes, helps ensure you won’t be caught off guard.

Planning ahead means you won’t find yourself unprepared if the noise becomes overwhelming. Many stadiums don’t offer hearing protection on-site, so bringing your own is essential to safeguard your hearing while enjoying the full energy of game day.

How Loud Is Lane Stadium, and Is It Safe for Kids?

Lane Stadium’s 126 dB peak during “Enter Sandman” nearly rivals the noise levels of a jet engine at about 100 feet away. For children, that can be especially dangerous. Young ears are more sensitive, and early damage can have a long-term impact on language development, classroom learning, and even emotional well-being.

Exposure to noise at or above 85 dB can cause hearing damage over time. As mentioned above, exposure to 100 dB for at least 14 minutes can heighten risk of harm. At 110 dB, the risk increases even with exposure limited to just two minutes.

If you’re bringing young ones, consider sitting in upper-level seats away from speakers, and provide hearing protection the kiddos will keep wearing throughout the game.

Quick Answers About Football Game Hearing Protection

What’s the best way to protect your ears at a football game?

Use high-fidelity customized earplugs or volume-limiting headphones. These options reduce volume without distorting sound, letting you enjoy the game safely.

Are college football stadiums too loud for kids?

Yes, many may exceed safe decibel levels for children. Hearing protection is necessary to help avoid permanent damage.

Can loud stadiums cause permanent hearing damage?

Yes. Exposure at 110 dB, even for a couple minutes, can lead to irreversible hearing loss.

Should I bring earplugs to Lane Stadium?

Yes, especially if you’re seated near the band, student section, or speakers. They’re a smart addition to your game-day gear.

How can students protect their hearing at sporting events?

Students should wear earplugs, take breaks from high-noise areas, and limit cumulative exposure over a season.

Final Score: Protecting Your Hearing Is a Long Game

Football games are a celebration of school spirit, family tradition, and unforgettable energy. But hearing loss isn’t something that waits for the later years of life — it’s happening now and often silently.

Taking small steps, like wearing earplugs or planning your seating, can have a major long-term payoff: vibrant hearing for a lifetime. It’s not about silencing your experience. It’s about helping you enjoy the game season after season.

Take the First Step: Screen Your Hearing or Find a Certified Provider

If you’ve noticed ringing in your ears after a game, muffled sounds, or increased sensitivity to noise, it may be time to check in with a hearing professional. At the Hearing Clinic in Salem, Virginia, we’re committed to helping fans of all ages protect their hearing and stay connected to the sounds they love.

Ready to hear your best, celebrate your best, and dive into all the sights and sounds of the game? Take HearingLoss.com’s free online hearing screener — it’s just a few minutes — or quickly find a hearing care professional near you using the easy locator tool. It’s a first step toward protecting your hearing and helping preserve it for all the games and memorable moments to come.

References

• College Football | Loudest Stadiums (2020). FirstPoint USA. https://www.firstpointusa.com/blog/2020/01/collegefootball–loudest-stadiums. (Accessed July 11, 2025).
• How Loud Is Too Loud? (2025). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/how-loud-too-loud. (Accessed July 11, 2025).
• What Is the Safe Noise Exposure Level to Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss? (2024). Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-024-00660-3. (Accessed July 11, 2025).
• Deafness and Hearing Loss (2025). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss. (Accessed July 11, 2025).
• What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss? (n.d.). HearingLoss.com. https://hearingloss.com/blog/what-is-noise-induced-hearing-loss. (Accessed July 11, 2025).
• Sound Level Comparisons (dBA) (n.d.). San Francisco International Airport. https://www.flysfo.com/sites/default/files/media/sfo/community-environment/Noise_Portal-Comparative_Noise_Levels_Chart.pdf. (Accessed July 11, 2025).