By Alan Wilson, Rocktalk writer

IT MAY not sound very rock ‘n’ roll but live music fans, particular those heading to huge outdoor festivals like T in the Park at Balado next month, are being urged by KT Tunstall to protect their hearing.

The St Andrews singer-songwriter, who has sold millions of records and rocked massive venues around the world, knows from first hand experience how loud modern PA systems are and wants people to wear earplugs to prevent hearing damage.

Many band members wear earplugs on stage and KT wants fans to join them in protecting their ears.

KT, summer festival headliner and one of the stars of this year’s T in the Park, is ambassador for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s Don’t Lose The Music campaign, which is warning fans that PA systems around festival stages reach levels in excess of 110dB—equivalent to an aircraft taking off.

The campaign warns that without protection two or three days of exposure at these levels could put music fans’ hearing at risk.

KT said, “Festivals are a huge highlight of my year and I love a good rock out or a boogie in the dance tent but I’ve become aware of the danger of damaging your hearing through standing too close to the speakers...make sure you have a pair of earplugs. Love your ears.”

Run by RNID, which represents nine million deaf and hard of hearing people, Don’t Lose The Music aims to increase awareness about the dangers of over exposure to loud music.

The charity recommends other simple steps like standing away from the PA and taking regular breaks from the loudest areas to protect hearing.

Emma Harrison, head of campaigns at RNID, said, “A massive 90% of people have experienced the first signs of hearing damage after a night out listening to loud music.”

For more information visit www.don’tlosethe-music.com.