Researchers urge use of earplugs at concerts

What impact can a live concert really have on your hearing? Dr Opperman explores the answer in a University of Minnesota study.

"...To examine sound levels and the effectiveness of earplugs, Dr. David Opperman at the U of M medical school offered volunteers free tickets to sold-out concerts of various genres: rock, pop and heavy metal. All they had to do was agree to wear earplugs. Several people they approached actually refused, but eventually 29 volunteers, aged 17 to 59, complied. Each participant agreed to have audiograms recorded immediately before and after the concert. Seats were randomly assigned, as was whether a person would be wearing earplugs..." Read Full Story