Kristin Shires sat in the front row.

Her favorite band played in Houston.

She loved the loud show.

Then she heard ringing in her ears.

Experts say this can build up over time.

They say it can cause lasting harm.

Audiologist Asia Pon said people feel young and safe.

But she said loud noise can hurt hearing.

She said concerts are often very loud.

She said damage can start there.

She said loud sound for hours is worse.

Tiny hair cells live in the inner ear.

Loud sound can stress these cells.

More damage can lead to tinnitus.

It can also lead to hearing loss.

Experts say earplugs lower the sound.

They do not stop the music.

Many venues give free earplugs.

Stores also sell many earplugs.

They have a noise reduction rating.

The rating is between 15 and 30 decibels.

Pon said fit matters a lot.

She said foam plugs need a snug fit.

She said people should wear them once.

Shires said her first pair felt strange.

Then she heard the music clearly.

She also heard less crowd noise.

Now she brings earplugs to many concerts.

She keeps them with her keys.

Audiologist Meaghan Reed said small change now helps.

She said it can protect hearing later.