Attending a Noisy Indoor Graduation Ceremony: Tips and Experiences?

[kingsfan]

Any tips or experiences? The graduation ceremony is going to be held in the gym. I was hoping it would at least be outside. It is a big city school with about 2,900 students, so I am estimating around 700 in the graduating class. I am sure there will be music played over a PA system, staff who do not have much experience speaking into a microphone, and a lot of screaming and shouting. I am expecting a very difficult outcome, but who would I be if I skipped a huge life milestone for my child?

 

[withintention]

I have to attend loud events occasionally for work. I have been using Westone custom fitted earplugs with ER-25 Etymotic filters. These reduce the decibel level by 25, not by a factor of 25 like some non-Etymotic earplugs.

They also offer solid filters, which I have been considering but have not tried yet, that would reduce the volume even further.

What is great is that the filters are swappable. I also have an ER-9 filter that I use for events that are just a little too noisy, such as a restaurant.

 

[Saba]

It would be great if you could be seated or stand near an exit to a hallway outside the auditorium. Being near an exit or door allows you to leave or take breaks without missing your child's moment. I would talk to the staff. Often, schools have quiet spaces, such as offices, that might provide a place where you can also view the ceremony.

I would wear protective earmuffs as needed, both in and out of the auditorium.

Good luck, and enjoy!

 

[Tryn2BHopeful]

I recently faced this scenario, except I got lucky because the ceremony was held outside and the class was about half the size. It was stressful, especially when my wife disappeared into the crowd to find my son among them. My tinnitus was screaming, and I had a headache, but I got through it.

I cannot tell you whether the risk outweighs the reward for you or not. I know that I, personally, could not have missed it. On the other hand, one event could cause you to miss many others. It is terrible, the kinds of decisions we have to make.

All I can say is that if you do go, take the necessary precautions for your situation. Wishing you the best!

 

[kingsfan]

I have to attend loud events occasionally for work. I have been using Westone custom fitted earplugs with ER-25 Etymotic filters. These reduce the decibel level by 25, not by a factor of 25 like some non-Etymotic earplugs.

They also offer solid filters, which I have been considering but have not tried yet, that would reduce the volume even further.

What is great is that the filters are swappable. I also have an ER-9 filter that I use for events that are just a little too noisy, such as a restaurant.

I have Westone custom molds, as well as filtered and solid 1of1 Custom earplugs. They still are not enough in many situations I have encountered. My issue is that I am beginning to experience pain after noise exposures, even while wearing these earplugs. I am talking about very short bursts, around 4 to 5 seconds, of noise at 80 to 85 dBA. It is not extremely loud, just loud enough, and for only a very short duration.

It would be great if you could be seated or stand near an exit to a hallway outside the auditorium. Being near an exit or door allows you to leave or take breaks without missing your child's moment. I would talk to the staff. Often, schools have quiet spaces, such as offices, that might provide a place where you can also view the ceremony.

I would wear protective earmuffs as needed, both in and out of the auditorium.

Good luck, and enjoy!

I recently faced this scenario, except I got lucky because the ceremony was held outside and the class was about half the size. It was stressful, especially when my wife disappeared into the crowd to find my son among them. My tinnitus was screaming, and I had a headache, but I got through it.

I cannot tell you whether the risk outweighs the reward for you or not. I know that I, personally, could not have missed it. On the other hand, one event could cause you to miss many others. It is terrible, the kinds of decisions we have to make.

All I can say is that if you do go, take the necessary precautions for your situation. Wishing you the best!

I am hoping I will be able to stand at a doorway. A few years ago, the junior high graduation was held in the football stadium. I was able to stand near the entrance and watch. I remember feeling uncomfortable, and my sound tolerance was much better then than it is now. I have missed a lot over these past three years. I cannot miss this event.

 

[withintention]

I have been looking into the solid plugs. How much better are they compared to the ER-25s?

Solid plugs combined with construction grade earmuffs might be enough. It is going to be around 100 dB, right? That should bring the level down below 80 dB.

 

[kingsfan]

I have been looking into the solid plugs. How much better are they compared to the ER-25s?

Solid plugs combined with construction grade earmuffs might be enough. It is going to be around 100 dB, right? That should bring the level down below 80 dB.

I have the Westones with the Tru filters rather than the Etymotic. They make two different molds, the Tru Custom and the Style 49, that use different brand filters. I do not wear the Westones anymore though. They are not anywhere near as comfortable as the 1of1 Customs.



As far as I can subjectively tell, the solid plugs attenuate more high frequencies but seem about the same with all other frequencies. However, that is only compared to the 1of1 Pro26 filters.

I am bringing both my Peltor X4A and X5A with me. The last time I flew, I only brought the X4A. Those, along with foam earplugs, did not feel like enough during takeoff and landing, so this time I am going to try the X5A.