Deep Hard 'n' Funky (DHF) dance party organisers and hearing-protection company EarBuddies have joined forces to inform and protect music-lovers from noise-induced hearing loss.
The event will mark the 10th anniversary of DHF. Held at the Vector Arena in Auckland on the 28th June 2008, information posters will be displayed and earplugs available to purchase on the night and on the EarBuddies website, www.EarBuddies.co.nz.Research conducted in 2007 by the National Foundation for the Deaf (NFD) has found that of those surveyed, 7 out of ten under the age of 30 are experiencing symptoms of hearing damage after listening to loud music - and are not taking steps to prevent it. Nearly a quarter (24%) of under-30 year olds were unsure of how to properly protect their hearing.*
Decibel levels in nightclubs can reach 110dB - that's the equivalent of a pneumatic drill 10 feet away, which far exceeds safe exposure levels. Repeated exposure can lead to irreversible hearing damage, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dullness of hearing.
During last year's "Don't lose the music" campaign, the NFD urged music lovers, musicians and djs to invest in a pair of reusable earplugs and wear them with pride at clubs and concerts. They reduce the volume, but not the quality of music to help protect ears from damaging decibels. Also use chill out areas to give your ears a rest and avoid dancing or standing beside loud speakers.
EarBuddies founders, Debbie Clifford and Glenn McLelland, decided to do something about the lack of information and high-quality hearing-protection products available to New Zealand music lovers, after they encountered symptoms of hearing-damage due to loud music themselves. The earplugs they stock offer more clarity than foam earplugs and are more affordable than custom-molded musicians earplugs.
One of the DHF organisers, DJ Tim Phin, said "Finally a great product to protect one of your best assets!".
There will be a photo opportunity at the event with EarBuddies founders and concert goers.
Contact details:
Debbie Clifford,
EarBuddies
0211399065
deb.clifford@gmail.com
*The research was conducted by TNS for the National Foundation for the Deaf (NFD). It involved an online interview of 1003 New Zealanders over 16 years of age. The interview duration was 12 minutes and the sample was nationally representative.
24/06/08