Young people are being urged to wear earplugs in nightclubs to protect themselves from permanent hearing damage caused by loud music. The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) has asked young designers to come up with new styles of earplug that could be worn without risk of stigma by clubbers and those who regularly go to concerts. Exposure to loud music has been shown to impair hearing over time. But surveys have found that young people are reluctant to wear earplugs because they are deemed to be "too medical", aesthetically unappealing and socially unacceptable.
RNID says that the items do not block hearing, they simply reduce the decibel level reaching the ears. Revellers can still hear music at the same quality but at a reduced risk of damage. Research by the charity indicates that 90 per cent of young people have experienced the first signs of hearing damage after a night out.
In an attempt to change the image of earplugs, students from De Montfort, Coventry and Sheffield Hallam universities have been invited to take part in a competition to come up with more appealing designs. Students who produce the most exciting blueprints will be awarded placements with a number of leading design consultancies.
Emma Harrison, head of campaigns at RNID, said: "If you slather on sun cream or wear a bike helmet when you cycle, why not wear earplugs and protect your ears from the risk of permanent damage?"
(Daily Telegraph)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are always welcome.