This summer 2026 during my visits to Alton Towers I have experienced some new rules around wearing ear defenders on rides. If you’re not aware I have severe noise sensitivity and am very rarely without my ear defenders on when out in the community especially at a theme park. So this is a big adjustment for me, and I’m trying my best to manage it. Luckily ride staff have all been so incredibly patient and kind with me.
What Are The Changes To Wearing Ear Defenders On Rides?
Whether or not you can wear ear defenders on a ride depends on the ride restraints system:
- Rides with no restraints (for example, Rapids and In The Night Garden Boat Ride): You can wear ear defenders.
- Rides with lap bars (for example, Bluey The Ride and Wicker Man): You must use an ear defender strap/tether.
- Rides with over-the-shoulder restraints (for example, The Smiler and Oblivion): You must remove ear defenders before riding.
Using An Ear Defender Strap/Tether
For rides with a lap bar for example, Bluey The Ride and Wicker Man you will need to attach an ear defender strap or tether in order to keep your ear defenders on during the ride. Please note: ear defender straps and tethers were not allowed on rides with over-the-shoulder restraints. I was still required to remove my ear defenders to ride.
Alton Towers have got ear defender tethers that can be borrowed at each ride. Simply ask a ride staff member if you could have an ear defender tether when you get to the front of the queue line. The tether loops around one side of your ear defenders and attaches to your clothes with a clip. Below is an image of the yellow tether that I was given by the ride staff to borrow on Spinball Whizzer.
In my experience you can also use your own ear defender strap. During my visit a guest had forgotten to give the ear defender tether back at Wicker Man so we tied my glasses strap tightly to each side of my ear defenders as you can see in the image below.
Why Have The Rules Changed?
Although a clear answer has not been given on why these rules have changed we know it’s to do with ear defenders being classed as a loose article like hats and glasses. I’m unsure where the change has come from but would presume someone’s ear defenders may have fallen off on a ride as I’ve worn ear defenders on rides for years and only had to remove them for Smiler and Rita. Interestingly, on my last visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach they wouldn’t allow my ear defenders on some rides like Steeplechase and Avalanche that I had ridden in my ear defenders the month before, which made me think this could be a change we see across most UK theme parks. However, in my experience Blackpool Pleasure Beach didn’t have straps available or allow me to use my own.
Changes To Ear Defenders Social Story
I’m very aware that change is incredibly difficult for many of us to manage. For me it can often cause lots of upset and theme park days to be cut short. To try and help everyone understand, I have created a social story that you can view and download below:
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this seems to be a situation where there are lots of ongoing changes so I would expect rules to keep changing over the next few months. I will keep this blog post updated when I have any changes or information to share.
This has been a really hard thing for me to navigate as my ear defenders are one of the main things that keep me regulated and safe. I would like to say a massive thank you to all the rides and Guest Experience staff at Alton Towers for their understanding and patience.
Well, that’s all from me today. I hope you will join me on a theme park adventure soon. Bye for now.