More than a third of tinnitus sufferers (35% ) blame dancing the night away to loud music in their hedonistic heyday for their hearing condition.
The poll of 1,000 adults, over 40 with impaired hearing, found 22 percent feel gigs, raves and festivals are where they overdid it the most when they were younger. What’s more, 61 percent even remember experiencing ringing in their ears after a gig – one of the early warning signs of tinnitus.
When reflecting on their younger years, more than eight in 10 (82 percent ) adults admit they took their hearing for granted. Almost half (48 percent ) wish they could turn back time and protect their hearing from an earlier age, with 45 per cent admitting they’d be more mindful of how their hearing can be damaged in loud environments.
The research, commissioned by Specsavers, aims to educate Irish on signs of the common hearing condition that can sound like ringing, humming, or buzzing in the ear.
“You should always consider how you can protect your hearing before heading into noisy environments. Listening to loud sounds without appropriate protection can cause long-term damage to your hearing, especially for younger adults and children, who are much more sensitive to sound.
“Hearing protection and ear plugs can be helpful, as can regular breaks away from the noise. Avoid standing in front of speaker too and exercise caution when wearing headphones.
“To stay safe, never listen to music above 60 per cent volume and try to give your ears regular breaks from headphones," Martina McNulty, Specsavers Audiology Chairperson, said.
The study also found those with hearing difficulties said older age was a major contributor (38 percent ) while a third respectively said ear infections (29 percent ) and built-up earwax (29 percent ) has led to their current hearing difficulties.
Others cite working in noisy environments such as factories, clubs or construction (29 per cent ) for their current hearing issues.
Sadly, just over half of those with reported tinnitus say it is severe (51 percent ), and of these, over a quarter (27 percent ) are affected on a daily basis with 44 percent struggling to concentrate, sleep (42 percent ) and listen to music (30 percent ).
Of the parents who were surveyed, 62 percent are worried their children will also suffer from hearing difficulties if precautions are not taken now. As a result, over two thirds (66 percent ) are proactively warning their children of the dangers of overexposing their ears so they don’t suffer the same way later in life.
More than half (53 percent ) try to warn them by explaining the hearing issues they face. While 47 percent are giving them guidance on volume limits and 31 percent are turning their music and TV volume down when they’re listening to it.
But the research, carried out via OnePoll found that, despite their best efforts, one fifth said their children ignore their warnings.
“It’s great to see parents educating their kids on hearing difficulties and the potential risks involved when exposed to loud sounds such as live music, headphones or noisy working environments.
“Our hearing is incredibly important and can bring us so much joy, particularly when listening to music, but it must be done safely to ensure your hearing remains protected," Ms McNulty concluded.
