As the dust settles in Glastonbury after another iconic weekend of music, and with thousands flocking to festivals throughout the summer, one pop star has shared an important piece of advice for music fans.

Songwriter and producer, Lemar has shared his personal experience of how loud music has damaged his hearing – and the one crucial step music lovers should take now the festival season is in full swing.

Speaking exclusively to RNID, the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, Lemar said: “Having a career in the music industry means I’ve pushed my ears to the limit. Now I live with tinnitus – something I have to manage every day. It’s why I want everyone to understand the risks of exposure to loud music and protect your hearing.

“But I also want people to know that protecting your hearing doesn’t mean missing out. Whether it’s a gig or music festival you can still have an incredible experience – it just takes a few easy-to-remember steps. Grab some earplugs, don’t stand too close to the speakers and take breaks to give your ears a rest. Whatever your music plans this summer, these small actions can make a big difference.”

The pop star’s advice comes as a new survey[1] from RNID revealed the items people consider most essential to bring to music festivals this year. Topping the list was waterproof jacket (51%) with earplugs for hearing protection coming in at number five (24%).

Top five festival essentials

1. Waterproof jacket (51%)
2. Sunscreen (50%)
3. Portable charger / power bank (47%)
4. Pain relief, e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen (37%)
5. Ear plugs (24%)

With tinnitus impacting his everyday life, Lemar shared the different strategies he uses to help manage it.

He said: “With tinnitus, there are ways I manage it. Limiting loud music is one of them, so when I’m on stage I wear in-ears and I try and turn volumes down and limit the amount of noise that’s around me.

“Usually I don’t sleep unless there’s a little bit of noise in the background. It could be a TV, or sometimes I have headphones on and I listen to the ocean or something like that. If you have tinnitus, you’re not alone. If you don’t – please protect your ears this summer.”

Top tips for protecting your hearing at live events:

Grab some earplugs. Earplugs come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and in a range of prices, from cheap spongy ones to more high-tech custom-made versions. You can even get them in a range of different colours and designs. Whatever your preference, earplugs are great for protecting your hearing, whether you’re on a night out or at a music festival. And if you forget, don’t worry – most venues will have free earplugs available behind the bar (you just need to ask).
Avoid the speakers. Whether you’re in a venue, festival field or nightclub, try and stay away from the speakers. The closer you are the greater the risk, and even short bursts of loud noise can cause hearing damage.
Take a break. Take regular breaks from the loudest areas to give your ears a rest, around five minutes for every hour. Chill-out zones in clubs are perfect for this.
Franki Oliver, Audiology Manager at RNID, said: “This summer is shaping up to be another action-packed season of music festivals, gigs, and events – with something to suit every taste.

“And whilst everyone loves a bit of live music, as an audiologist, I always encourage people to be mindful of the risks associated with exposure to loud noise. The good news is it’s so easy to protect your hearing, and as Lemar says – it doesn’t have to impact your enjoyment of the event.

“If you’re off to a festival or watching live music, don’t forget your earplugs, and be kind to your ears this year. By taking steps like this now, you’ll be enjoying music for many years to come.”