It’s That Ringing Noise in Your Ears!
Stacey Betts is suing pop star Justin Bieber for $9 million as a result of hearing damage she says was caused following one of his concerts. This is just the latest in a series of cases highlighting the dangers posed to our hearing from loud noise.
Only last month ‘Plan B’ and Leona Lewis reported they had tinnitus, further highlighting the very real need for greater awareness of the risks among the public – particularly when simple steps can be taken to protect your hearing. Plan B called for free earplugs for gig goers and while Deafness Research UK welcomes this, we advise concert and gig goers to invest in one-size reuseable plugs, rather than the disposable versions.
They are relatively cheap to buy and will make sure people who attend concerts regularly will still be able to enjoy the music while protecting their hearing. Tinnitus is a symptom of damage to the hearing and, as it can be so easily prevented, the tragedy is that many young (and indeed older) people still do not consider the risks, thinking it can never happen to them. Information on tinnitus and other hearing conditions is available at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk or by calling our Freephone helpline on 0808 808 2222.
