Students from the University of Chichester have been given advice on how to listen to music while protecting their hearing as part of Noise Action Week.Officials from Chichester District Council and the Noise Abatement Society visited the University’s Bishop Otter Campus in Chichester on 27 April to highlight the dangers of MP3 players being turned up too loud and being regularly exposed to loud music. Permanent hearing loss due to listening to music through headphones at high volumes for long periods of time is an emerging health risk.
Particular attention was paid to music students, with free gifts being offered to those who will rely on their hearing for their future careers in the entertainment industry.
The activity was organised as part of Noise Action Week, a nationwide initiative designed to raise awareness of difficulties and health risks that excessive noise can cause at home, at work, at study and at leisure.
District Council environmental health officers spent the day testing the volume of MP3 players belonging to students and offered advice on how they can reduce the level while still being able to hear the music clearly. As part of their ‘Love Your Ears’ campaign, the Noise Abatement Society worked with ACS, makers of SlicSound, to give away their add-on device for headphones to improve sound quality and protect hearing for listeners.
Venetia Allan, Music Tutor at the University of Chichester, said: “Protecting your hearing is not a particularly interesting topic for young people who just want to enjoy their music, but it is a serious issue that could affect them in the future if they are not careful. The information day was about providing students with the facts so they can make an informed choice, and I’m grateful to staff from both Chichester District Council and the Noise Abatement Society for giving up their time to talk to our students.”
Steve Dommett, Senior Environmental Health Officer at Chichester District Council said: “Our level checks ranged from a very reasonable 80dB to a positively dangerous 127dB, equivalent to an aeroplane taking off. However, by using the SlicSound adapters, users said they could hear the music more clearly. In our worst case, the noise level was reduced by 35 dB.
“Students at the University should be warned though - the average level measured was worryingly high at around 100dB. If listened to at this level for more than 15 minutes a day, it will give rise to long term hearing loss.”
Lisa Lavia, Managing Director of the Noise Abatement Society, said: “A lot has been written and reported about MP3 player mis-use, but listening habits have barely altered. Our campaign, Love Your Ears, is designed to help young people understand the consequences of listening too loudly to their MP3 players over prolonged periods and to engage them in a learning process in order to help them take responsibility for their hearing health. We are delighted to be working with the University of Chichester to help raise awareness of this important issue amongst those most affected.”
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