Clubbers face hearing loss "timebomb"

LONDON, July 3 (Reuters) Nine out of ten young people show signs of hearing damage after a night spent listening to loud music at a club or pub, according to a survey.

The RNID, a charity which represents nine million people who are deaf or hard of hearing, said those affected suffer from ringing in their ears or dullness of hearing and yet do nothing to prevent it.

Audiences at rock concerts can be exposed to 125 decibels -- compared to 110 decibels for someone standing near a pneumatic drill.

RNID Chief Executive Dr John Low urged the government to set a recommended noise exposure level for audiences attending music venues.

''We're all familiar with messages about practising safe sex and using suncream,'' Low said. ''But the lack of any guidance on loud music means this generation of music lovers could be facing a hearing loss timebomb.

''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.'' More than half of the 1,381 people surveyed said they visited a bar each week where they had to shout to be heard over the music. Only a quarter thought it was too loud.

Two thirds believed that hearing damage would not affect their lives.

The RNID said people should consider wearing special ear plugs in clubs that reduce the music's volume without ruining the sound quality.

They should also take a five minute break every hour and stand well clear of speakers to help protect their ears.

REUTERS DKS RAI0432