source: bhNEWS
The Telegraph, UK - September 5, 2008
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Loud music hurting hearing in four out of five festival goers
Four out of five people who attend music festivals have experienced
signs of hearing damage, a new study shows.
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
Yet less than 20 per cent take precautions to protect their ears, the
study carried out by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People
(RNID),
found.
The charity questioned 2,700 people at music festivals across the
country this summer, including Glastonbury and the Reading and Leeds
festivals.
They found that more than 80 per cent of those questioned had already
experienced ringing in the ears or dullness of hearing after
listening to loud music.
Half admitted that had suffered pain in their ears from loud music.
The charity warns that the symptoms are an early sign that long term
hearing damage will be caused unless people take action.
Emma Harrison, from the RNID, said: "These results issue a stark
warning about the UK's future hearing health.
"Volume levels at festivals can reach levels over 110 decibels -
that's the same as a jet plane taking off.
"Repeated listening at this volume will cause premature hearing loss."
The World Health Organisation warns that exposure to loud noise is
the major cause of avoidable hearing loss.
Sound levels of more than 85 decibels will damage hearing over time.
The RNID said that shouting to be heard by a person standing two
metres away was a sign that the music was too loud.
The charity recommends that festival goers take regular breaks from
the loudest areas to protect their hearing.
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