The RNID's Don't Lose the Music campaign launches its first awareness week today. Don't Lose the Music Week encourages young people to adopt a 'safer listening' approach to music by urging them to stand away from loud speakers, to take regular breaks from loud music, and to turn down the volume on their music players by a notch.

The RNID is also urging music fans to stage "Don't Lose the Music" gigs, clubs and quiz nights to help raise awareness of the ways people can protect their hearing and raise money for the charity. The gigs will be part of a national campaign, supported by jazz star Jools Holland, which is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of over-exposure to loud music.

Lisa McDonald, campaigns officer for RNID's Don't Lose the Music Campaign, said: "We hope that, whilst everyone is having fun people could also spare some time to consider how important it is to protect their hearing to enjoy the music for longer."

See www.dontlosethemusic.com for more details.