Half of Live Music Fans at Risk of Hearing Loss, Study Finds

Half of live music fans who attend gigs, festivals, and club nights are at risk of hearing loss, according to a new study. The research found that despite almost 50% of participants experiencing ringing in their ears, only one in 10 wore earplugs to protect their hearing. 

When resale platform TicketSwap surveyed 1,000 UK live music event attendees in February 2023, 44% of participants said they are not taking their hearing seriously. 

The worrying figures didn’t stop there, as less than half of music fans know what tinnitus is – a condition caused by overexposure to loud noise that leads to ear ringing, buzzing, or clicking – and only 20% of them were familiar with decibel levels. 

Amid the alarming news, TicketSwap launched #dontmissabeat, a sonic safety campaign in collaboration with UK Hearing Conservation Association (UKHCA). The venture seeks to change gig-goers’ behavior on hearing health and noise exposure. 

Speaking of the campaign, UKHCA’s founder Clare Forshaw said that even short gigs could lead to deafness, tinnitus, and oversensitivity to noise. 

“You can enjoy live music in a safe way by using the right earplugs; so you still get the full experience but without the harmful levels, avoiding being right in front of the speakers and giving your ears a rest are all simple ways you can enjoy sound in a sustainable and healthy way.”

According to World Health Organization, nearly half of individuals aged 12-35 are at risk of hearing loss due to loud sound exposure. Members of the live music community – from DJs to attendees – can worsen their hearing at a faster rate as they spend more time at music venues, clubs, and festivals.