90% young clubbers have symptoms of hearing damage after a night out

A new study conducted by the charity RNID suggests that 90 per cent of youngsters, aged 16 to 30 years, experience symptoms of hearing damage-dullness of hearing or ringing in the ears-after a night out.

London, July 2 : A new study conducted by the charity RNID suggests that 90 per cent of youngsters, aged 16 to 30 years, experience symptoms of hearing damage-dullness of hearing or ringing in the ears-after a night out.

The researchers surveyed 1,381 people, more than half of whom visited a bar where they had to shout to be heard. Such night visits took place once a week.

While a quarter of the study subjects reported that the music in such places was too loud, one-third believed that the hearing loss would affect their lives.

Dr John Low, Chief Executive of RNID, says that most people who have experienced the first signs of hearing damage after a night out do not know how they can prevent this loss.

"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," the BBC quoted him as saying.

"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," he added.

He believes that the British Government should establish a recommended noise exposure level for audiences attending music venues and events, and educate young people about noise as a public health risk. He also suggested that simple measures like five-minute rest per hour of listening, standing away from loud speakers, regular breaks from the dance floor, use of earplugs etc. may help music lovers, musicians, and DJs to protect themselves from damaging decibels.

ANI