I work in part time in a bar. Can loud music damage my hearing?

Yes. Loud music can do the same damage to your hearing as other loud noise, and noise levels in pubs and clubs are often very high. Musicians, DJs, bar staff and security staff are most at risk.

Whether noise will cause hearing damage – or noise-induced hearing loss as it is often called – depends on how loud the noise is that you are exposed to, and how long you are exposed to noise.

Noise is measured in decibels (dB). Normal conversation is around 60 dB. Noise of less than 75 dB, even for long periods, is unlikely to damage your hearing. The Health and Safety Executive reviewed the research on pub noise published since 1985, and found that most pubs expose workers to noise levels above 95 db.

Remember the 'two metre rule' – if it is so noisy that you find it difficult to communicate with a colleague who is two metres away, the noise is loud enough to damage your hearing.

For more information, see our working in hospitality section.