Tinnitus UK is calling for clear, enforceable standards on hearing protection and training after a staggering 93 per cent of live music workers report hearing problems.

The finding, published in a new report for Tinnitus Awareness Week (2-8 February), is a ‘wake-up call’, says the charity, for everyone in the system to act.

The survey of 1,200 people also found that:

• 59 per cent of live music workers and performers report experiencing permanent tinnitus
• 81 per cent of live music workers receive no training on hearing safety
• 92 per cent of fans experience tinnitus after live music events
• 40 per cent of those indicated that symptoms later became persistent
• Nearly one in five now live with permanent hearing loss
• 98 per cent of people know loud music can damage hearing, yet 46 per cent will stand close to speakers
• 81 per cent of live music workers receive no training on hearing safety

The report identifies “significant gaps” in how employers, event organisers and venues support hearing health for audiences and workers alike.

While many venues reported caring deeply about hearing health, this was at odds with the experiences of fans and workers.

Nearly two-thirds (62 per cent) of music fans said they had “never seen earplug giveaways or hearing health information at events”, while a similar proportion of music professionals (61 per cent) said they had never been offered hearing protection by a venue or organiser.

Commenting for the report, Phil Pinnington, British Safety Council's head of audit and consultancy, said: “The UK’s music scene has set global standards for generations, from The Beatles to Black Sabbath, and today’s live music and events professionals continue to carry that legacy.

"A steep rise in work-related, noise-induced hearing loss shows that the industry faces a serious and immediate challenge. Swift and coordinated action is needed, not only to safeguard the sector’s future, but to protect the people whose talent and hard work keep it thriving,” 

Among Tinnitus UK's nine recommendations, are mandating basic hearing-health training for live music workers and creating a standardised national guideline for safe listening at live events.

A “lack of clear guidance or regulation” leaves venues to navigate a system that gives unclear signals and little support, said the report. This is compounded by the fact enforcement sits with Local Authorities but the duties on noise control are set by HSE. 

The report recommends a national standard which would be based on existing guidance such as Sound Advice (HSG260) and the UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

Amplifying Awareness, Turning up the Volume on Hearing health in live music report is here.

Source: British Safety Council

Comment: "Exposure to live music will have lasting effects. Even during practice sessions, sound-level measurements for keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, and drum/percussion confirmed routine exposure to sound levels between 93 dB and 103 dB, with the percussion peak level over 120 dB. Take hearing protection seriously, as it helps prevent hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and diplacusis. Allow suitable recovery periods when exposed to noise environments."