Woodstock Generation Experiences Hearing Loss Due to Attending Rock Concerts

Woodstock Attendees still Affected by Concert

It’s been 50 years since Woodstock, and concert attendees are still living with the consequences of listening to loud rock and roll music for hours and hours at a time. 

According to a Harris Poll that was authorized by Oticon, a hearing aid manufacturing company, 47 percent of adults between the ages of 65 to 80, who said that they listened to loud or very loud music in their teens and 20s, reported that they have experienced hearing loss. For this generation of music lovers, 71 percent stated that music was one of the most significant things to them during their youth.

For some, the music that they listened to during that time is denying them the freedom to listen and enjoy music today. In an online survey conducted this past June, over 1,000 American adults acknowledged:

• The hearing abilities of Woodstock’s generation is not as good as it used to be.
• 36 percent stated that they have a slightly negative experience when listening to music, due to their hearing loss.
• 70 percent of those who suffer from hearing loss have a strong desire to experience music the same way that they did when they were younger.
• 47 percent of individuals who suffer from hearing loss stated that they do not enjoy listening to music as much as they did when they were younger.

The survey also showed that the Woodstock Generation suffers from hearing loss in other aspects of daily life, unrelated to music. This includes:

• 52 percent sometimes experience problems with comprehending speech in loud surroundings, such as crowded restaurants.
• 40 percent occasionally need others to repeat themselves.
• 41 percent stated that the loss of hearing sometimes negatively affects their ability to participate in social situations.     
• 38 percent claim that hearing loss has some negative effects on their relationships with family or friends.

A Lack of Care for Hearing Health

There are 48 million individuals who suffer from hearing loss, but only 4 million people buy hearing aids each year. 

Even though they have hearing loss, most members of the Woodstock Generation haven’t done anything to take care of it. About 70 percent have never talked to a professional about their hearing health. Approximately one in 10 (or 12 percent) currently wear hearing aid devices, or have in the past.

If you, or a loved one, suffer from hearing loss due to attending concerts or any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation from one of our hearing instrument specialists. We offer a wide selection of hearing aids at discount prices!

Contact Us