The news regarding FIFA 14 for PC gamers came in the late hours of last night as we reported via our Twitter account. FIFA 14 on PC will not utilize the next-gen EA Sports IGNITE Engine announced yesterday at the Xbox One reveal event.

ON MAY 22, 2013 0 10

For years Liverpool FC fans have wondered why their beloved club has not undergone the special FIFA treatment, with facial scans and custom club covers. That all changed this morning as LFC agreed a 3-year partnership with EA SPORTS and the FIFA franchise.

On Jun 27 0 20

Ear Protection for Loud Stadiums and Watch Parties

The page title points to earplugs, and that subject fits a soccer fan more closely than it might seem. Big matches are loud. Drums, horns, chanting sections and packed bars showing a derby on every screen can keep sound levels high for two hours or more. Many supporters ignore it until they walk out with ringing ears, which is a sign the ears have been under strain.

Why match-day noise matters

Hearing damage from noise builds up over time. Short peaks such as a goal celebration are less of a worry than long, steady exposure. That steady exposure comes from sitting near a supporters' group with drums, standing beside a speaker stack at a fan fest, or watching every weekend in a crowded sports bar. Temporary ringing or muffled hearing after an event is a common warning sign. If it happens often or does not clear, a hearing professional can check your ears and advise you.

Choosing earplugs as a fan

  • Foam earplugs are cheap, disposable and give strong noise reduction. They also muffle voices and chants, so the atmosphere can feel flat.
  • Reusable "high-fidelity" or musician-style plugs cut volume more evenly across frequencies. You still hear the crowd and the people next to you, just at a lower level. Many regular match-goers prefer them.
  • Custom-moulded plugs are made from an ear impression by an audiologist. They cost more, but they are comfortable to wear for a full match.
  • Kids' earmuffs are often easier than plugs for young children at their first live game.

Practical tips

Insert foam plugs properly: roll them tight, pull the ear gently upward and back, and hold the plug while it expands. Keep a spare pair in your bag. In summer, South Florida heat and humidity make clean storage worth it, so use a small case. Taking short breaks away from the loudest section at half-time also helps.

Before heading out, check our Fan Zone guides for watch-party etiquette. The Match Center has the fixtures you will be cheering for, with your hearing intact.