'Hearing loss time bomb' warning

Clubbers experienced signs of hearing damage, the survey found

Music fans could be facing a "hearing loss timebomb", a charity has warned, and urged the assembly government to introduce a noise limit on live music.

RNID Cymru also said young people faced a lack of any guidance on loud music.

The charity's research suggests 70% of clubbers, 68% of concert-goers and 44% of people in bars experience hearing damage symptoms after a night out.

A spokesman for the assembly government said local authorities were responsible for monitoring noise levels.

The charity's survey found 90% of young people experience signs of hearing damage, such as dullness of hearing or tinnitus - ringing in the ears.

Young people who love music need to be educated Monica Mahoney, RNID Cymru

The report found more than 50% of those surveyed visited a bar where they had to shout to be heard at least once a week, but only a quarter thought the music in these venues was too loud.

RNID Cymru, which represents 480,000 deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales, called on the Welsh Assembly Government to bring in a recommended noise exposure level for audiences at music venues

Monica Mahoney, from the charity" said "the lack of any guidance on loud music means this generation of music lovers could be facing a hearing loss timebomb."

"Our research shows most young people have experienced the first signs of permanent hearing damage after a night out, yet have no idea how to prevent it.

"With regular exposure to music at high volumes in clubs, gigs and bars, it's only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage their hearing forever.

'Nuisance duties'

"Young people who love music need to be educated so they can make choices about the risk of exposure to loud noise and protect their hearing from premature damage.

"RNID Cymru is calling on the Wales Assembly Government to establish a recommended noise exposure level for audiences attending music venues and events, and educate young people about noise as a public health risk."

An assembly government spokesman said: "Local authorities are responsible for monitoring noise levels in nightclubs, pubs and other venues as part of their health and safety and noise nuisance duties."

According to the World Health Organization, exposure to excessive noise is the major avoidable cause of permanent hearing loss worldwide.