British university students' attitudes towards noise-induced hearing loss caused by nightclub attendance

Background: Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among adolescents and young adults has increased. This study aimed to address the current dearth of literature implicating excessive nightclub sound levels (more than 85dB) as a direct cause of auditory symptoms related to noise-induced hearing loss. Method: A questionnaire was completed by 325 students to gauge the frequency of auditory symptoms after nightclub attendance, and to explore knowledge and opinions about noise levels in nightclubs. Results: The findings showed that 88.3 per cent of students experienced tinnitus after leaving a nightclub and 66.2 per cent suffered impaired hearing the following morning. In terms of behaviour, 73.2 per cent of students said that the risk of hearing damage would not affect their nightclub attendance, but most students (70.2 per cent) felt that noise levels in nightclubs should be limited to safe volumes. Conclusion: A high proportion of students reported experiencing symptoms related to noise-induced hearing loss after attending a nightclub. These findings are relevant to policy makers.