RNID, the national charity representing 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people, is to launch the first ever Don’t Lose the Music Week which will aim to raise awareness amongst music fans of the dangers of over exposure to loud music so they can enjoy the music they love for longer.

The new awareness week is part of the RNID’s Don’t Lose the Music Campaign which was launched in 2003. Activities during Don’t Lose the Music Week will encourage young people to adopt a ‘safer listening’ approach to music by encouraging them to stand away from loud speakers, to take regular breaks from loud music, and to wear ear plugs if regularly exposed to loud music or if exposed for long periods of time.

Major research conducted by RNID currently shows that 55% of 16-30 year olds visit pubs and bars where you need to shout to be heard more than once a week, and 75% of those who go are there for up to four hours at a time.  Worryingly, 44% of these have experienced ringing in the ears on at least one occasion, with 34% reporting ringing or buzzing in the ears on a regular or occasional basis after a night out. *

Lisa McDonald, RNID’s Campaigns officer for the Don’t Lose the Music Campaign says: “The first ever Don’t Lose The Music Week will be an opportunity for us to focus attention on the risk to hearing from over exposure to loud music.  We don’t want to discourage young people from listening to music, but we think it’s really important that music fans have the information they need to protect themselves from hearing damage.

"As part of the week, we will be asking people to think of the song they would miss the most if they 'lost the music'.  Remembering how much you love your favourite songs will hopefully make people consider how important their hearing is in day to day life, and help them safeguard their hearing for the future." she adds.

Loud Music – The Facts