New Study Raises Concerns Over Consequences Of Loud Music

Noise-induced hearing loss experts at Irwin Mitchell have called on iPod and mp3 player users to take care after new research highlighted the serious impact that listening to such devices at high volume could have.

According to researchers at Australia’s Edith Cowan University School of Psychology and Social Science, listening to portable devices on full volume for around six minutes may cause significant hearing damage.

The study also revealed that many young people never wear any form of hearing protection, despite nearly 90 per cent revealing they have come home from concerts with ringing ears.

Mark Allen, an industrial deafness specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield, said the research was a clear sign that more needs to be done to protect the hearing of young people.

He outlined: “My work is often based around those who have suffered noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, acoustic shock and other conditions as a result of employers failing to adequately assess  the risks of noise and the need for protection.

“Through this, I’ve seen first-hand how hearing problems can have a huge impact on sufferers, significantly affecting both their work and personal lives.

“A recent campaign involving Plan B and Coldplay has raised these dangers with young music lovers and we would urge them to both seriously consider the use of earplugs at concerts and also be responsible with the volume level on their mp3 players and iPods.

“It may also be time for manufacturers to carefully assess whether the safety controls in place on such devices need to be re-evaluated or improved.

“Ultimately, it is vital that as much as possible is done to protect people from the dangers and risks that noise and loud music, so that they can continue to enjoy both gigs and albums for years to come.”