News

NTIA Launch Campaign to Reduce Hearing Loss with World Health Organisation ‘Make Listening Safe’ Campaign

• 21st Feb 2023

As we start Tinnitus Awareness Week, the NTIA are pleased to announce the partnership with the “Make Listening Safe” Campaign in the UK, an initiative of the World Health Organisation to increase the awareness of avoidable risks to hearing and promote the WHO’s global standards on safe listening at venues and events.

The industry has a huge part to play in safeguarding peoples hearing across our sector, from bars staff, performers, security and crew. Alongside the guidance developed by WHO, we are launching a campaign to work with the industry, to fund a training and accreditation scheme which will make people aware of the impacts and the methods to protect one of your most valuable assets, if you love listening to music.

Key Figures:

• According to WHO 1.1 billion young people (12-35) are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices (recreational sound) NOT working in noisy factories etc.
• Report from the Commission on Hearing Loss 2014 calculated the cost of hearing loss to the UK economy to £24.8bn, which will potentially rise to £38.6bn by 2031. This is reduced economic output due to loss of productivity and unemployment due to hearing loss, and does NOT include the cost of healthcare. £450m annually to NHS (Harker, R. (2012) NHS funding and expenditure)
• Dementia – Lancet  2020 Hearing loss is the biggest modifiable factor in a person’s life course that will increase the risk of dementia. Mild hearing loss 2x, Moderate 3x and Severe hearing loss  5x more likely to suffer dementia.
• One in six people are impacted by hearing loss in the UK, our aim alongside partners and key stakeholders is to reduce that number across our sector through awareness and education so that people can listen to music safely within the workplace, social or personal environments.
   

Michael Kill CEO NTIA Says:

“Losing the ability to listen to music is inconceivable, especially given that I have based my career on music and night time economy. Thousands of people across our sector suffer from hearing loss, and if we continue to dismiss the wider impacts thousands more will follow.”

“When asked if we would like to work with WHO as part of our wider UK project to educate people on hearing loss and the potential impacts and the methods of protection, we grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”

Robert Shepheard – Consultant Audiologist Says:
“Hearing loss and tinnitus is extremely common with people working in and enjoying music rich environments. It is sometimes not fully understood the irreversible impact listening to loud sound  can have on many aspects of our health. As Audiologist for the NTIA It is so encouraging to see the industry taking such a proactive step to maintain the health of everyone involved.“

Lindsay McIntyre – KSG Acoustics Says:

“As a professional in acoustics and audio for live sound, I know how easy it can be to damage your hearing permanently. This can have a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing and may even be career-ending. KSG Acoustics is delighted to be involved with this initiative, especially given the opportunity to reach out to the new generation of audio professionals and audiences and help them to prioritize and normalize protecting their precious hearing.”

Biff Mitchell – Glastonbury & Beautiful Days Festival Says:

“Its time we went further than an earplug dispenser and a set of ear defenders on a sign as the only education given to staff in venues and concerts on the dangers of long exposure to loud music. In over 30 years working in the live sector I have seen people from all parts of the industry suffering from hearing problems and for some resulting in mental health problems it’s time to educate.”