The first question Mr Russell raised was to Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health. He asked whether the government takes the issue of hearing loss from personal music players seriously and is committed to preventing premature hearing loss. He also asked whether there will be an inquiry about what can be done to reduce the risk of hearing damage from personal music players. Alan Johnson replied that the issue wasn't 'top of our agenda, but does need to be looked at.'

The second question concerned what research will be commissioned into hearing loss from mp3 players. Ivan Lewis MP, Minister of Health, replied that, 'It is already widely understood that playing personal audio equipment too loud can damage your hearing.' We disagree, our figures show that 58% of 16-30 year olds are completely unaware of any risk to their hearing from MP3 players. The Minister did mention though, that the European Commission is working on developing a policy about mp3 players and hearing loss.

Our Don't Lose the Music campaign recommends that people are careful when using mp3 players, as the volume levels can be potentially harmful. We suggest that people use 'smart volume' features, take regular breaks from loud music, and wear noise cancelling or sound isolating headphones if you’re having to crank the volume up to drown out noises you don’t want to hear.