58% of Gen Z report experiencing hearing damage due to loud music exposure

58% of Gen Z have experienced issues with their hearing due to loud music expsoure, a new study from the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID) has found.  

The research comes from a survey of around 2,000 people aged between 18-28 in the UK, who were asked questions such as: "Have you experienced tinnitus?", "Have you experienced temporary hearing loss?", or both. 

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RNID reports that 75% of respondents said they were aware of the risk of permanent hearing damage when exposed to noise in nightclubs or music festivals, but despite this, just 35% said they did not plan to wear hearing protection at events, which is around the same number as other age groups.

Around 28% said they would be more inclined to use earplugs if they could still enjoy live music while wearing them, with a further one-in-five claiming they would opt for protection if it was available for free at events and was more comfortable.

“These findings highlight just how often people are experiencing the dangerous side effects of being exposed to loud music, despite people’s apparent high awareness of the risks," says RNID's Audiology Manager Franki Oliver. 

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“Exposure to loud sound levels is one of the leading causes of hearing loss and tinnitus - but it's also one of the most preventable - so it's encouraging to see that more people would be willing to take steps to protect their hearing if they knew they’d still enjoy the full live music experience."

The RNID offers a free online hearing check, you can find out more here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter