Young people are not looking after their hearing

We are still not looking after our hearing carefully, according to charity Action on Hearing Loss.

Their survey of 1000 people found that 11 per cent didn’t think it mattered if their hearing was damaged, with 9 per cent thinking there was a cure for it if they did and a 39 per cent didn’t know what tinnitus was.

Tinnitus is a permanent sound that can be heard in the ears such as ringing, buzzing or whistling but not coming from an external source.

The condition can affect one or both ears and is triggered by listening to loud music at gigs, nightclubs and through mp3 players.

Action on Hearing Loss is urging young people in particular to look after their hearing, especially when at gigs and festivals.

Action on Hearing Loss Director spokesperson, Emma Harrison said: “Nearly a quarter of a million people in the UK suffer from tinnitus, which can destroy a person’s quality of life. Tinnitus is common amongst young people who go out clubbing regularly or listen to music a lot.

“Many don’t realise that ringing in your ears after a night out is a warning sign that you could be permanently damaging your ears. There’s currently no cure for hearing loss or tinnitus.”