Loud music can damage hearing
Revellers are being warned their hearing is at risk if they don’t protect their ears this festive season.
Action on Hearing loss is encouraging party goers to take precautions so their hearing isn’t damaged with loud music and even loud people.
Bars, clubs and gigs playing loud music can have long-term effects on hearing, says the charity.
And once people have a drink, they seldom take the precautions needed to prevent damage.
Earplugs do not block out the music but can protect people from being exposed to dangerous noise frequencies, the charity said.
Revellers should also avoid standing for too long near speakers and take breaks from the noise, it added.
After a night out, many have experienced ringing in their ears but the charity estimates that some six million Britons are living with this sensation permanently.
The condition, called tinnitus, is often described as ringing in the ears but many people hear different sounds including buzzing, clicking, whooshing or humming.
“We don’t want people to stop going to music events and parties – that’s not what this is about,” said Gemma Twitchen, senior audiologist at Action on Hearing Loss.
“There is a misconception that if you wear earplugs you can’t hear or enjoy the music, but this is simply not true.
“Earplugs will block out the dangerous sound frequencies, still allowing you to listen to the music and enjoy it.”
People who experience symptoms of tinnitus for longer than a 24-hour period should go to see their GP, the charity said.
David Stockdale, chief executive of the British Tinnitus Association, said: “It’s always important to be mindful of noise levels throughout the year, but particularly during the festive season when many of us are out socialising in busy bars and restaurants and cranking up the Christmas tunes at home, too.
“Tinnitus can be caused by exposure to overly loud music and noise, so protecting your hearing is not only important, it’s essential.
“Once it’s damaged, hearing can’t be fixed – but it’s important to note that tinnitus from over-exposure to loud sounds can be prevented."
