Music a significant cause of hearing loss


13-11-08

After a night out, 9 in 10 young people experience signs of hearing damage. Research shows that 70 percent of clubbers, 68 percent of concert-goers and 44 percent of people in bars experience hearing damage symptoms after a night out.

The study from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, RNID, was based on 1,381 interviews with young people aged 16-30 years. It found that the vast majority have experienced temporary signs of hearing loss and/or tinnitus after being exposed to excessively loud music.



The young people are unaware of how they can prevent hearing damage. John Low, RNID chief executive, said that music lovers need to be provided with information about the consequences of listening to excessively loud music and how to prevent permanent hearing damage.

"Music lovers, musicians and DJs could take simple steps to protect themselves form damaging decibels on a night out or while performing", stated John Low on BBC.

One specific piece of advice is to take a five minute break every hour to rest their ears.

Loud music is a major reason for hearing loss around the world, and RNID is calling on the government to establish a recommended noise exposure level for audiences attending music venues and events. The Institute is appealing to the music industry to assume some of the responsibility for the prevention of hearing loss in young people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk
http://www.dontlosethemusic.com
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