DJs

If you are a DJ, your hearing is one of your biggest assets. You are surrounded by music - through mp3 players, stereos, gigs, jam sessions, rehearsals, festivals and the list goes on...and generally, it is pretty loud!  A large number of DJs worldwide suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss and other hearing diseases as a result of over-exposure to loud music.  However the good news is that there are preventative measures these days that can reduce the risk of hearing damage without reducing the quality and clarity of music to your ears. 

Most concerts and live performances pump the music to over 100 decibels, which without protection can damage your hearing in under 15 minutes.  That’s why you ears ring after a night out – they are being damaged. Take Action to ensure music will be a part of your life for many years to come.

Clubbers

Whether you are a hardcore raver or just enjoy a good dance with friends on the weekend, loud music in clubs is the leading cause of the increased hearing loss in Australians.  In the latest research study presented in the ‘Binge Listening’ Report, it was discovered that the average noise levels in nightclubs steadily increases as the night goes on.  It also found that the average level of music within these venues is over 100 decibels, which can cause damage in only 15 minutes. 

Wearing earplugs will greatly reduce the risk of hearing damage in these venues.  These days you can get custom fitted musician earplugs which lower the decibels of noise to your ears, without compromising the quality of the music.  If you are worried about what they look like, you can get earplugs skin coloured so they are hardly noticeable and those with long hair can easily conceal them behind their hair.  Earplugs have several advantages beyond basic hearing protection as well, most notably their ability to enhance the wearer's enjoyment of music and facilitate communication with others*.  Drugs and alcohol can also increase the damage to your hearing as they relax your ears' natural defences against loud noise.

Read through the take action tips on the right - understanding the effect loud music can have on your ears will ensure you can keep clubbing for years to come.  Take notice of how your ears feel when you leave the club - Is it hard to hear people?  Are they ringing?  Do they feel different?  These are all signs that you've damaged your hearing.  Even though when you wake up the next morning, they will probably feel 'normal' again, you have done permanent damage that will keep accumulating if you don't take preventative steps.

*Elizabeth Beach et al, 'Earplugs for Clubbers', NAL, NSW