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Deafness warning for music lovers5 July 2007
Music lovers face a "hearing loss time bomb", according to a leading charity. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) has summarised results from two surveys which found that nine in 10 people aged 16 to 30 have signs of hearing damage after a night out. The charity published its Like it Loud? report this week as part of its campaign to raise awareness about the risks of listening to loud music. The report highlighted that 70 percent of clubbers, 68 percent of gig-goers and 44 percent of people who go to bars are affected by symptoms of hearing damage, including dullness of hearing and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). More than half of the people surveyed reported that they visit a bar where they have to shout to be heard at least once a week. The same proportion said they go clubbing once or twice a month. However, only a quarter said the music in these venues was too loud and just a third thought hearing loss would affect their lives. The RNID is calling for the government to set a recommended noise exposure level for people who regularly attend music venues, and to educate young people about noise as a public health risk. Dr John Low, Chief Executive of the RNID, said: "Our research shows most young people have experienced the first signs of permanent hearing damage after a night out, yet have no idea how to prevent it. With regular exposure to music at high volumes in clubs, gigs and bars, it's only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage their hearing forever." "Young people who love music need to be educated so they can make choices about the risk of exposure to loud noise and protect their hearing from premature damage," he added. The RNID says that the music level in some venues can be as loud as an aircraft taking off. They recommend music lovers should stand away from loud speakers and take regular breaks in chill out areas to give ears a rest from loud music. Also wearing earplugs designed for use in clubs and gigs, that reduce the volume of the sound without affecting the quality, can help protect hearing. Related information
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