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The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), a UK hearing loss charity, has launched a safe-listening campaign called "Don't Lose the Music" following new research on hearing symptoms among young adults who attend loud music events. The campaign launched August 25, ahead of the UK's August holiday weekend.
According to RNID's research, 83% of Gen Z adults surveyed reported ringing, buzzing, or muffled hearing after attending gigs or listening to loud music, with 10% experiencing these symptoms regularly. RNID describes this temporary effect as a warning sign that the ears have been exposed to damaging noise levels, and notes that repeated exposure can lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus. The survey found that more than a quarter of the group attend loud music events at least weekly, and while most were aware that loud sound can damage hearing, only 7% said they always used earplugs at music events in the past year.
The campaign encourages protective steps such as wearing earplugs, moving away from speakers, and taking listening breaks to let the ears recover. RNID also published guidance on choosing earplugs suited to different needs. A campaign advocate who developed noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus mentioned that they assumed post-event ringing was normal because it faded each time, until the damage became permanent.
While this is a UK campaign, the underlying issue of noise-induced hearing loss applies broadly. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sound above roughly 85 decibels can damage hearing over time, and concerts and clubs often exceed that level.
Learn more about the campaign here.
