Festival goers' hearing 'damaged'

More than half of festival goers believe loud music has damaged their ears according to a poll.

Four out of five have also experienced warning signs that they may have put their hearing at risk.

A total of 84 per cent of people questioned had suffered dullness of hearing or ringing in the ears after listening to loud music.

Half had also experienced pain in their ears while listening to loud music, yet only 17 per cent had ever taken steps to protect their hearing such as by turning the music down, stepping away from speakers and taking regular breaks.

The poll was carried out among 2,711 music fans at the Glastonbury, Latitude, Rise, Reading and Leeds festivals.

Emma Harrison, from the campaign, 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."

Music lovers at Leeds were the most likely to have experienced signs of damage to hearing, while those at Glastonbury were more likely to take steps to protect it.

Ms Harrison added: "Employees who work at music venues are protected by legislation but people who visit the same places are not.

"In areas of public health such as smoking and alcohol we are provided with information that allows us to make an informed choice. This is not the case with over exposure to loud music."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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