Charity staff polled 1,400 people aged between 16 and 30-years-old and found that 55% visited pubs and bars where they needed to shout to be heard more than once a week, with 75% of these there for up to four hours at a time.

The survey showed 44% of young people had experienced ringing in the ears on at least one occasion, and 34% reported ringing or buzzing in the ears on a regular or occasional basis after a night out.

The RNID, which works to support nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, said that in some bar and club venues, music as loud as an aircraft taking off had been recorded.

Charity chiefs today said they were concerned that unless people took steps to protect their hearing, many could start 2006 with tinnitus, which causes a permanent ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears, or even hearing loss.

Lisa McDonald, campaigns officer for the RNID, said: "With more licensed premises opening longer and playing loud, amplified music, festive revellers in bars and pubs might not realise their hearing is being put at such high risk.

"The endless round of parties at this time of year means that people will be spending more time in bars and pubs and the cumulative effects could add up to hearing loss in later life."

The RNID`s "Don`t Lose the Music" campaign is encouraging people to protect themselves against the effects of loud music.

Top tips developed by the charity to protect hearing during the Christmas party season include standing away from loud speakers when in pubs and clubs or at gigs and concerts, taking regular breaks from the dance floor and wearing earplugs specially designed for use in clubs and gigs.

More information is available at www.dontlosethemusic.com.

Source: http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=68211&pt=n