As part of a class requirement to raise awareness for a non-profit organisation, Otago Polytechnic occupational therapy students Lauren Redshaw and Anita Fenton have been working with the Hearing Association to inform the public about hearing loss.
To highlight the effects of loud music on hearing, the two wired a sound level meter to a silicon ear, which was then attached to a fashion mannequin.
"The project's about raising awareness. A lot of people don't take it [hearing loss] seriously and don't think about it," Ms Redshaw said.
ACC statistics show costs of noise-induced hearing loss to New Zealand exceed $40 million a year - double that of five years ago - and 30%-50% of New Zealand adults are affected.
Ms Redshaw and Ms Fenton will take the mannequin to student locations in Dunedin, including the student centre and Unipol, between August 27 and September 7, so students can observe the effects of noise.
"People will be able to watch what happens inside the eardrum once damaged," Ms Redshaw said.
Students are being targeted because many listened to music at high volume, sometimes up to 100dB, loud enough to begin causing permanent damage after just 15 minutes a day.
The project also raises awareness for the Hearing Association.
Ms Redshaw hoped the demonstration would lead to people becoming more cautious about what they listen to.
"Who wants to be deaf this early in life?" she said.
- John McKenzie.
