"Latest study reveals that more than half of Generation Z have already faced hearing issues as a result of frequent exposure to loud music"
In a recent survey conducted by the Royal National Institute for Deaf people (RNID), it was found that 75% of Generation Z respondents are aware of the risks of permanent hearing loss from dangerous noise levels at gigs and festivals. This awareness is a significant step towards promoting hearing protection among younger concertgoers.
Franki Oliver, the RNID's Audiology Manager, noted that the survey findings highlight the frequent occurrence of hearing issues due to loud music exposure. She emphasized that exposure to loud sound levels is a leading cause of hearing loss and tinnitus, conditions that are preventable to a significant extent.
The survey, which asked 2000 people aged between 18 and 28 about their hearing experiences, revealed that over half (58%) of the respondents reported experiencing issues with their hearing due to exposure to loud music. This statistic underscores the need for better earplug solutions and potential changes in live music event promotion.
In response to this, earplug manufacturers and live promoters are increasingly encouraging Gen Z to use hearing protection at concerts and festivals. Initiatives include providing earplugs and hearing protection at venues, regulating sound levels, and promoting safe concert experiences. Concert organizers are creating family-friendly spaces where ear protection is available and advocating for responsible listening habits to prevent hearing damage.
Some artists and tours, like Sabrina Carpenter's 2025 tour, are also helping to normalize the use of earplugs for sound protection among younger audiences. They highlight earplugs as part of their concert guidance, making it a more accepted practice among concertgoers.
Despite these efforts, 35% of the respondents said they did not plan on wearing earplugs or hearing protection. Franki Oliver expressed that it's encouraging to see that more people would be willing to protect their hearing if they knew they could still enjoy the full live music experience. She noted that some people would be more likely to wear earplugs if they were given out free or if they were more comfortable.
To address this, the RNID offers a free online hearing test for those concerned about their hearing. The test is available for people to assess their hearing status and take proactive measures to protect their hearing.
In conclusion, the survey results suggest a need for continued efforts to promote hearing protection among Gen Z concertgoers. Initiatives such as the provision of earplugs, sound level regulations, family-friendly spaces, and artist communication are steps in the right direction. By making hearing protection more common and accepted, we can help prevent hearing issues and ensure that the love for live music endures for generations to come.
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- The awareness of medical-conditions like permanent hearing loss among Generation Z, due to exposure to loud noise at concerts and festivals, is paving the way for promoting health-and-wellness within the realm of fitness-and-exercise, such as adopting safe listening habits during exercise routines that involve music.
- The RNID, in conjunction with earplug manufacturers and live music promoters, is addressing the issue of hearing loss by providing earplugs and promoting safe concert experiences, with initiatives like family-friendly spaces, regulating sound levels, and encouraging artists to normalize the use of earplugs for sound protection in their tours.
- Apart from promoting physical health through regular fitness exercises and mental health through responsible listening habits at concerts and festivals, nutrition plays an essential role in overall health-and-wellness, with balanced diets contributing to improved hearing health and reduced risk of tinnitus and other medical-conditions related to loud noise exposure.
