Music venue patrons are at risk of long-term, permanent hearing damage through exposure to high sound levels, a new study reveals today.

The study by Perth based Ear Science Institute Australia (ESIA), in partnership with The University of Western Australia's Ear Science Centre, measured the impact of sound levels at music venues between April and August 2005.

Sound level measurements were taken at key locations within music venues located in and around the Perth metropolitan area. In addition, 303 patrons aged between 15 and 65 years were asked about the average length of time they spent at music venues, their frequency of attendance, whether they had experienced any side affects through exposure to the sound, and their use, if any, of sound protection methods.

The ESIA found:

• The average sound level was over 95 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound emitted by a lawnmower or a circular saw.
• The average exposure time to high sound levels per patron was almost five (5) hours per session, compared to the maximum recommended exposure time of one (1) hour at 95 decibels.
• Over half (56 per cent) of the patrons surveyed reported previously experiencing tinnitus (ringing in the ear), with 16 per cent claming temporary hearing loss.
• Almost half (49 per cent) of those surveyed believed that the sound levels they were being exposed to would cause long-term hearing damage.
• Of the patrons surveyed, 16 per cent had experienced a headache after exposure to loud noise, of which four (4) per cent claimed to have felt nauseous.

The research also showed that 17 per cent of the survey group had worn hearing protection at noisy music venues, with a further seven (7) per cent stating they would wear ear protection if it were made available. Significantly, even though young people felt that the sound level in music venues was too high, they were more resistant to using ear protection. This attitude was more prevalent in young women.

Professor Marcus Atlas, Director of ESIA and one of Australia's leading and most qualified ear surgeons, is concerned by the findings and what appears to be a lack of awareness amongst youth when it comes to the impact of regular exposure to high sound levels.

"This research supports what we are seeing - younger people in Australia and overseas are now requiring hearing aids much earlier in life, as a result of hearing loss caused through listening to loud music.

"Similar to the effect of personal music players, it is clear to us that music venue patrons are unknowingly exposing themselves to high levels of sound because they are not aware of the damage that frequent exposure will have on their hearing, now and in the future.

"Noise induced hearing loss is totally preventable and taking simple steps such as wearing ear plugs when attending music venues will certainly protect their hearing, without affecting the quality of sound or the experience.

"Everyone needs to realise that their hearing is just as important as their sight, and protecting their ears against any potential damage is critical.

"We strongly advocate for the introduction of a national hearing loss prevention and education campaign, specifically targeting youth, as this will do much to help us address this serious and growing health issue", says Professor Atlas.

Hearing loss is costing Australia almost $12 billion a year, with 160,000 people not working because they cannot hear well (Access Economics Report, May 2006). Whilst the condition primarily affects the elderly, health professionals internationally are gravely concerned by the impact it is having on youth.

Deafness Research UK (June 2006) reported that one in three (38 per cent) people aged between 16 and 34 years were not aware that listening to loud music on a personal music player can damage their hearing, with 14 per cent of people in this age group listening to a personal music player for up to 28 hours per week.

Hearing loss can cause social isolation, tension, fatigue and embarrassment.

To preserve hearing, ESIA advises the following:

• Limit the time spent listening to your personal music players, especially if you like to play your music loud. Generally, a maximum of four hours per day at moderate sound levels is advised or you may start to damage your ears.
• Personal music players can generate over 85db (even above 100dB). Safe exposure times are considered to be about eight hours a day. However at 90db the safe exposure time is only about four hours and after only 15 minutes at 100dB you are likely to be damaging your hearing.
• If attending a concert use ear plugs and do not stand too close to speakers. The further away the less intensity of the sound and hence the less noise damage.
• An early warning sign of permanent damage to your ears is if you experience temporary deafness or tinnitus (ringing in the ear). If this occurs, you need to alter your listening habits. Reduce the amount of time you are listening to loud music or turn the volume setting down. If you are worried about your hearing, please see an audiologist for a hearing test.

Ear Science Institute Australia: 29th October 2006.