The Battle Between Loud and Safe: Can We Hear Each Other Out?

When we bring up the subject of loudness, there are usually 2 responses.

“OMG! You are so right! Music and Noises are so loud everywhere!”

Or eye roll, “You are one of those stupid people”

For decades, the conversation around sound levels has split people into opposing camps. Loud vs. Safe. Cool vs. Fuddyduddy. Freedom vs. Restriction. Artistic Expression vs. Medical Science. But what if we’ve been framing the conversation all wrong?

Let’s reimagine the categories:

  • Now vs. Later

  • Ignorant vs. Informed

  • Free vs. Protected

  • Hearing vs. Eventually Hearing-Impaired

Strangely enough, constituents keep switching sides. Musicians who once loved blasting sound now suffer from tinnitus. Young fans become concerned parents. Sound engineers who once chased volume now track SPLs.

Walking in Each Other’s Shoes: Ask: What Does the “Loud” Group Believe?

(We don’t love that word either. Better terms? “Unrestrained,” “Expressive,” “Immersive,” or simply “The Full Experience” crowd.)

They often say:

  • “You’re killing the vibe.”

  • “This is how the artist intended it.”

  • “People can just leave if they don’t like it.”

  • “Loudness equals power, emotion, presence.”

They’re driven by passion, energy, freedom, and a belief that art should not be muzzled. To them, limits feel like censorship.

What Does the “Moderation” Group Want?

(We prefer “Mindful Listeners,” “Protectors,” or “EarAware Advocates.”)

They often say:

  • “This is physically painful.”

  • “I want to hear tomorrow too.”

  • “Science matters more than opinion.”

  • “I shouldn’t have to sacrifice my health to enjoy music.”

They’re driven by data, health, personal stories, and compassion. They want to include more people by making spaces welcoming for all hearing types.

What They Say About Each Other

  • The Loud camp calls the Moderation crowd buzzkills, alarmists, or old-fashioned.

  • The Moderation camp calls the Loud crowd reckless, inconsiderate, or in denial.

But here’s the truth: most people on both sides care deeply—about the music, the experience, the community. They just see different threats.

Want a deeper dive into the psychology and social dynamics at play?
Why do people turn it up so loud?

How to handle people who complain (opens in a new window)

The Big Misunderstandings

Many people still believe:

  • “If it was legal, it must be safe.” — Sorry, there are no laws governing loudness for concert goers.

  • “My hearing will bounce back.” — Reality is that damage is being done.

  • “Earplugs ruin the sound.” — There are some that don’t!

  • “It’s only dangerous if it hurts.” — Not true.


Myths about Hearing (opens in a new tab)

What if your main response is: “We do not exceed OSHA guidelines” “We play music for less than half and hour so we can turn the music up to 110 dBA, or even 115 dBA if under 15 mins by OSHA standards.”

There are a few things to consider.

  1. If you are invoking OSHA standards, you need to provide EVERYBODY with earplugs and tell them to wear it if you exceed 85 dBA.

  2. Are you assuming that all of the people in the audience have had NO prior noise exposure that day? Do you turn people away who have just worked an 8 hr shift at 90 dBA?

  3. What about those who are going to work right after your event?

  4. OSHA was established for INDUSTRIAL NOISE. That is noise that is unavoidable at the workplace. OSHA needs to compromise between protecting Industry and minimizing damage to hearing.  If it were too stringent, no one would be able to work at Airports and machine shops. 

  5. Using OSHA rules, OSHA expects that 25% of people, over time, will lose significant hearing and seek compensation.

  6. At very least, use NIOSH rules, which are scientifically based and more protective.

  7. Better yet, use EarAware guidelines for the safest and most protective recommendations.

How Do We Meet in the Middle?

Understand each other’s position. Ever notice that anyone driving slower than you is a bumbling idiot and anyone driving faster that you is a raving lunatic? It is a matter of perspective. Be considerate to the opposite side. Don’t start off on the attack. Find something good to say. Give them a reason to want to help you. You have the music in common. Start working with that.

  • Set Safe Limits for events and venues—based on science, not tradition.

  • Use Better Tech—sound engineers now have tools to preserve quality without sacrificing safety.

  • Normalize Ear Pro (protection)— Concertgoers should have good ear pro in easy reach. Venues should provide them for those who don’t, Ear pro the seatbelts of your ears.

  • Designate Quiet Zones at concerts and festivals.

  • Offer Transparency—let people know how loud it will be.

  • Listen, Literally—to both the decibels and the people affected.

The Bottom Line

If you’re part of the sensitive group—those who’ve already had ringing ears, difficulty focusing, or early signs of damage—take control. Use earplugs. Step back. Get tested. Protect your hearing for the long game.

If you're part of the expressive group, understand that your freedom shouldn’t cost someone else’s health. We’re not asking for silence—just awareness. Volume doesn’t need to come at the expense of connection.

Artistic license doesn’t override public health.
Let’s build experiences where everyone is welcome—today and tomorrow.