Thousands are heading to universities for the start of a new term and with freshers’ events taking place across the UK this week, we urge students not to overlook one essential item – earplugs.
Research has revealed that more than half (58%) of 18–29-year-olds have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or both after exposure to loud music. While these effects are often temporary, repeated exposure can lead to permanent hearing damage, with lasting impacts on many areas of life.
Why loud music can harm your hearing
The good news is that hearing protection doesn’t mean missing out. With just a few simple steps – such as wearing earplugs, taking breaks from loud music, and giving ears time to recover – students can still enjoy a brilliant night out whilst reducing the risk of long-term hearing problems.
Franki Oliver, RNID Audiology Manager, said:
There’s nothing quite like the experience of heading off to university for the first time and soaking up everything student life has to offer. For those going out this week to celebrate freshers’ week or the start of a new term, it’s so easy to protect your hearing and still have the best night out of your life.
Exposure to loud sound levels is one of the leading causes of hearing loss and tinnitus – but it’s also one of the most preventable. With a few simple steps, like using good quality earplugs, not standing too close to the speakers, you can still enjoy the experience whilst minimising the risks to your hearing.
And don’t worry if you forget your earplugs on a night out, because they’re available for free behind the bar at most venues, including the student union, if you ask.”
Top tips for protecting your hearing on a night out
- Grab some earplugs. Earplugs come in all shapes and sizes, and in a range of prices, from reusable filtered ear plugs for clubbers and gig goers, to more high-tech custom-made versions for professionals. You can even get them in a range of different colours and designs. Whatever your preference, earplugs are great for protecting your hearing on a night out.
- Avoid the speakers. When you’re in a venue, try and stay away from the speakers. The closer you are the greater the risk, and even short bursts of loud noise can cause hearing damage.
- Take a break. Take regular breaks from the loudest areas to give your ears a rest, around five minutes for every hour. Chill-out zones in clubs are perfect for this.
“I wish I’d worn earplugs”
Emma Fox, 31, from Bedfordshire, said:
“I developed tinnitus when I was 18, during freshers’ week. It genuinely turned my life upside down.
One night out was very loud – we were up near the DJ. I remember my friend falling over next to a speaker and the rest of us trying to catch her. When I got home, my ears were ringing… The next morning, the ringing was still there.”
When the ringing didn’t go away, Emma went to see her GP who diagnosed tinnitus – hearing sounds not made by an outside source. It’s common, with around one in seven people in the UK experiencing the condition to varying degrees.
“If I could go back in time and talk to the 18-year-old me starting uni, I’d say: ‘Wear earplugs!’” says Emma. “You can still have fun. You can still enjoy the music, but you’ll enjoy it safely. And ‘stay back from those speakers!’”
“Your ears don’t forget”
Caris Lount, 23, a social media influencer and author of the Tinnitus Cookbook, from Staffordshire, has had tinnitus for most of her life. It’s an issue that became more pronounced after going out during university.
“For as long as I can remember, tinnitus has been a part of my life. Fast forward to university and my tinnitus became an especially tough obstacle.
The constant noise made it hard to focus on lectures or study, and even socialising became difficult.”
“You might not notice the damage you’re doing right away when it comes to loud noise exposure, but your ears don’t forget. That ringing people sometimes hear is our body’s way of saying you’ve pushed it too far.
If you’re going out, I’d encourage people to do the most simple and safest thing – grab some earplugs and pop them in your bag. Hearing truly matters and although we might take it for granted now, we miss it when it’s gone.”