• Freshers in NI will spend the equivalent of 13 full days on noisy nights during their first year of university
• Studies show as little as 15 minutes of exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing damage
• This Freshers’ Week, hearing experts at Specsavers stores in Northern Ireland are reminding students to protect their hearing
Fresher’s attending university in Northern Ireland will spend the equivalent of 13 full days in noisy pubs and clubs during their first year of university.
A recent study launched by Specsavers has shown that as little as 15 minutes of exposure to loud music can lead to hearing damage, which is why Specsavers is reminding students starting their university experience of the importance of hearing protection this Fresher’s Week, as students begin their University careers at both Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University campuses across Northern Ireland.
Hearing loss can be caused by any sounds louder than 85 decibels (dB), and the average sound at a music venue reaches between 115 – 120 dB.
New research, which polled students and recent graduates in Northern Ireland, revealed that the majority of people surveyed partied twice a week during term-time in first year, with each night out lasting between 4 to 6 hours, which posed a stark contrast compared to most other regions across the UK.
Although socialising is an important part of a Fresher’s first year at university, more than a quarter of those surveyed in Northern Ireland (27%) said they didn’t give their health much consideration.
Reasons for this include being focused on socialising and having fun (43%), unhealthy behaviours being normalised (43%) and not understanding the long-term impacts of poor health habits (43%).
Sue Carter, Audiology Director at the Specsavers Newtownards, adds: “A Fresher’s first year at university is an important year for them to make new friends, gain independence, life skills and build on their education, but the research shows that students aren’t prioritising their health which can have potential implications down the line.
Young people are being increasingly affected by hearing damage because of going to concerts, festivals and clubs where noise can reach damaging levels, as well as listening to personal music devices.
We don’t want students to miss out on the fun of Fresher’s Week, but there are some simple steps they can take to protect their ears – like not standing too close to the speakers or using instant-fit earplugs or custom hearing protection.”
The research also revealed that over eight in ten (85%) in Northern Ireland said they went out as much as possible during their first year at university, with top venues being clubs (46%), house parties (18%) and bars (16%).
As a result of these nights out, over a third (38%) said they experienced ringing in their ears and almost half (47%) sometimes hear a faint ringing, which is known to be a sign of hearing damage.
Find out more about hearing protection at: https://www.specsavers.co.uk/hearing/hearing-protection
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