Festivals Music

Don’t risk tinnitus this festival season

Frankie

With festival season just around the corner, lots of people will be preparing their festival survival kit: dry shampoo, wellies and plenty of loo roll are some of the essential items, but what about ear plugs?

National charity Action on Hearing Loss is urging festival goers this summer to consider their hearing before attending large events. Six million people in the UK – that’s one in ten – are affected by tinnitus

Tinnitus is often described as a ‘ringing in your ears’ but some people might also hear buzzing, whistling or whooshing. It can occur after exposure to loud noise and can last anywhere from 24-hours to being permanent damage.

Many celebrities have spoken up and warned others about tinnitus, including Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing and Coldplay’s front man Chris Martin who have both admitted that they have developed tinnitus after years of attending clubs and festivals.

Gemma Twitchen, senior audiologist at Action on Hearing loss explained: “We don’t want people to stop going to festivals and music events – that’s not what this is about. However, people may not be aware that there is a risk of damaging your hearing if you expose yourself to too much loud noise. The good news is that if you aware of the risks and take the simple steps to protect yourself, you can still enjoy the music.

“You can help ensure both you and your hearing survives the festival season by investing in ear plugs. There is a misconception that if you wear them you can’t hear or enjoy the music, but this is simply not true. Ear plugs will block out the dangerous sound frequencies, still allowing you to listen to the music and enjoy it”.

The charity also recommends not to stand too near the speakers for a prolonged amount of time, to take breaks between acts and make sure you keep your body hydrated to increase blood circulation and keep your body and ears healthy.

If the ringing in your ears does not go away after a 24-hour period, the charity recommends people visit their local GP.

While there is currently no cure for tinnitus that doesn’t mean you can’t live your life to the fullest. There are many effective ways of managing it. Visit the Action on Hearing Loss website for more information by clicking here.