From Touchdowns to Tinnitus: Protect Your Ears on Game Day

Sep 2, 2025 | Health, Hearing Education

If you’ve ever been to a Nebraska football game, you know the energy is unlike anything else. The moment you step into Memorial Stadium, you’re surrounded by a sea of red, the smell of Runzas and tailgate smoke hangs in the air, and the buzz of anticipation builds long before kickoff. Then, when the Huskers make a big play, the crowd erupts– and you feel it. Literally.

That roar of nearly 90,000 fans can shake the stands, rattle your bones, and, unfortunately, put your hearing at risk.

How Loud Is It, Really?

We all expect football games to be loud, but few realize just how loud. Noise levels inside a stadium can reach 100 to 120 decibels—about as loud as a chainsaw or jackhammer. In fact, our very own Dr. Johnson measured the sound level at the 2024 Nebraska vs University of Colorado Boulder football game; the sound level peaked at 118 dBA! For comparison, everyday conversation hovers around 60 dB. The human ear is designed to handle a lot, but when sounds climb above 85 dB, even short bursts can cause lasting damage.

That post-game ringing you sometimes notice in your ears? That’s called tinnitus, and while it may fade, it’s a warning sign. Your ears are telling you they’ve had too much. But more importantly, even if you don’t notice ringing, permanent damage can still occur from repeated exposure to stadium

Why Custom Protection Matters

You might be thinking, “I’ll just grab some foam plugs from the drugstore.” And while those are better than nothing, they often don’t fit well, muffle sound unevenly, and can make it harder to actually enjoy the game-day atmosphere.

That’s where custom hearing protection comes in. These earplugs are molded to your ears, which means:

    • They fit comfortably all day—no slipping or irritation.
    • They reduce harmful noise levels without blocking the cheers and excitement.
    • They’re durable and reusable, season after season.

Imagine leaving Memorial Stadium with your voice hoarse from cheering but your ears still feeling fresh. That’s the difference custom protection makes.

Be Ready for Kickoff

Football in Nebraska isn’t just a sport—it’s a tradition, a family event, and a way of life. Don’t let something as preventable as noise-induced hearing loss steal away the sounds you love, whether that’s the crowd’s roar, the marching band, or your grandkids celebrating the win beside you.

Before you head to your next Huskers game, add one more item to your fan gear checklist: custom hearing protection. Your future self will thank you for it.

 

Contact us to schedule time to discuss custom hearing protection options today!

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