RNID report: 80% of young music fans experience hearing issues after events

A new report by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) and Censuswide reveals that over 80% of young music fans experience hearing issues after attending events. Among 2,000 Gen Z adults surveyed, 83% reported experiencing symptoms such as ringing, buzzing, or a feeling of clogged ears following musical events, with 10% experiencing these symptoms regularly.

Despite 79% of respondents acknowledging that repeated exposure to loud noise can cause hearing damage, there is a significant gap in preventative action. Only 7% of those surveyed always use earplugs, while 35% never or almost never protect their hearing. Many cited social embarrassment as a reason for not wearing earplugs. The campaign features DJ and content creator KEM, who shared her experience of permanent hearing damage resulting from initially dismissing temporary ringing in her ears.