In a recent poll of over 2700 festival-goers, The Royal National Institute For The Deaf found that over half felt that loud music had damaged their hearing. Over 80% had experienced warning signs of damage, such as dulled hearing or ringing in the ears. The poll, which was conducted as part of the RNID's Don't Lose The Music campaign, surveyed music fans at Glastonbury, Latitude, Rise, Read and Leeds, as well as online.
Emma Harrison from the RNID said: "These results issue a stark warning about the UK's future hearing health. Volume levels at festivals can reach levels over 110 decibels - that's the same as a jet plane taking off. Repeated listening at this volume will cause premature hearing loss. Employees who work at music venues are protected by legislation but people who visit the same places are not. In areas of public health such as smoking and alcohol we are provided with information that allows us to make an informed choice. This is not the case with over-exposure to loud music".