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UNIVERSITY students are risking a lifelong health problem by spending the equivalent of 13 full days in pubs and clubs during their first year.
A poll of 500 current students and recent graduates found they partied twice a week during term-time during the first academic year.
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Each session lasts almost five hours and finishes at an average time of 2:30am.
In Fresher’s Week alone, students estimated they spent nearly 15 hours out on the tiles over the course of the seven days.
While 12 per cent went out five or more times in the inaugural week, 30 per cent admit they didn’t give their health a second thought when they started uni.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers after a separate study found 15 minutes of exposure to loud noise – 85 decibels (dB) – can lead to hearing damage. Music venues reach up to 120 dB.
Some 46 per cent of students said they repeatedly hear a mild buzzing in their hearing when studying, which can be a sign of hearing damage.
Despite this, just 14 per cent had a hearing test when they were at university, according to the study conducted via OnePoll.
Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at the hearing and vision specialists, said: “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.”
The survey also found 63 per cent of students made friends which will last a lifetime during their Fresher’s Week and 74 per cent went out as much as they possibly could when they first arrived at university.
Some 78 per cent felt like the nightlife was an important part of their overall student experience throughout their first academic year in higher education.
Nightclubs (33 per cent) were the preferred destination for partying undergraduates, followed by house parties (26 per cent) and bars (17 per cent).
And on average, these nights out would cost nearly £40 per session – a total of almost £2,500 throughout the year.
But in return, many experienced fatigue from late nights (53 per cent), ringing in their ears (25 per cent) and dehydration (27 per cent).
Gordon Harrison from Specsavers added: “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 early signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss can occur at any age, and doesn’t just occur as we get older.
Hearing loss may develop slowly over time which makes it hard to notice.
Knowing what the signs are can help ensure you get the earliest treatment.
According to Hidden Hearing, six early signs are:
1. Difficulty following conversations
2. Phone conversations are unclear
3. People seem to be mumbling
4. Difficulty locating were sounds are coming from
5. Signs of tinnitus: You experience ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears (tinnitus)
6. Your friends and family say you have the TV up too loud
Noise-induced hearing loss can occur as a result of exposure to loud noise for a long time, meaning people who work in loud environments – such as musicians, military personnel or construction workers – are particularly at risk.
Listening to excessively loud music through headphones or at concerts and festivals can also damage hearing.
To prevent noise-induced hearing loss:
1. Protect your ears
If you have to be in noisy environments, wear ear protection – no matter if you are home, at work, or at a concert.
2. Follow the 60/60 rule
When you listen to music, do not exceed 60% of your device’s maximum volume for more than 60 minutes a day.
3. Take a break
Take regular breaks when attending concerts or festivals where the sound levels are much higher than normal.
