Protecting the beat: Three artists on safeguarding their hearing

From mindful listening habits to high-fidelity, custom-moulded earplugs and the changes they make before they get in the booth, here’s how HODGE, Salomé Wu, and LUXE are protecting their hearing.

In an industry built on high-decibel environments, exposure to loud music can have long-term consequences, from tinnitus to temporary or even permanent hearing loss. Studies show that regular exposure to sound levels above 85dB, which is very common in clubs and concert venues, can lead to permanent damage over time, yet hearing protection remains an afterthought for many.

For clubgoers and music fans, the risks are just as real. Research suggests that wearing earplugs at live events can reduce the likelihood of hearing damage without dulling the listening experience. Investing in quality protection isn’t just about safety, it’s about sustaining a lifetime of music heard properly.

We’ve teamed up with ACS Custom, pioneers in high-fidelity hearing protection, to highlight the importance of safeguarding one of a musician and music-lover’s most valuable assets. In this series, HODGE, Salomé Wu, and LUXE share their personal approaches to hearing protection, offering insight into how they maintain longevity and fidelity in an industry that isn’t getting any quieter.