The NTIA recognises how vitally important healthy hearing is to everybody and are excited to be partnering with the World Health Organisation’s Make Listening Safe UK Campaign.
The NTIA is launching an ambitious initiative on World Hearing Day to engage and inform everyone, both young and not so young, working in or enjoying music rich environments on how they can stay safe and hear the music they love for as long as possible.
In conjunction with World Hearing Day 2023, the NTIA are pleased to announce its 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 people’s hearing across the sector, from bars staff, performers, security and crew. Alongside the guidance developed by WHO, the NTIA is also 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 your most valuable asset if you love listening to music. Hearing Loss and Tinnitus (constant ringing in your ears) is commonplace for those working in the industry.
You may not know;
- According to WHO 1.1 billion young people (12-35) are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices when enjoying recreational sound such as music.
- 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.
- Dementia –Hearing loss is the biggest modifiable factor in a person’s life course that will increase the risk of dementia. Mild hearing loss doubles your risk, Moderate hearing loss trebles it and a severe hearing loss means a person is FIVE times 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.
The NTIA is launching one of the most ambitious programs in the world to engage and inform all those working in or enjoying the music in an industry we all love. It is important to help people avoid what is a completely unnecessary injury to their health so they can continue to enjoy listening to and hearing that music for as long as possible. The NTIA look forward to collaborating with many other organizations that have a genuine interest in conserving the health of all those involved.
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 the NTIA’s audiologist 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.”