Jono Heale on Why Clubbers Are Losing Their Hearing and Don't Know It

How many clubbers, DJs and music lovers already have permanent hearing damage without even realising it? In this week's episode, I sit down with Jono Heale, Director at ACS Custom, musician and one of the UK's leading voices on hearing health in the music industry. After developing permanent hearing damage himself, Jono made it his mission to help protect musicians, DJs and clubbers from making the same mistake. We discuss tinnitus, hearing loss, safe listening levels, why ringing ears should never be ignored, whether one loud nightclub can permanently damage your hearing, and why so many people don't discover the problem until it's too late. If you've ever left a club, festival or gig with ringing ears, this conversation is essential listening. In this episode: • How tinnitus really starts • Why hearing damage is often permanent • Can one loud nightclub damage your hearing? • Safe listening levels explained • Why DJs are at greater risk • Why dance music is particularly challenging for hearing • The truth about hearing protection • How ACS Custom helps protect musicians worldwide • Practical advice every clubber should know Chapters: 00:00 The diagnosis that changed everything 00:21 How many clubbers already have hearing damage? 02:10 Why musicians often ignore hearing loss 04:00 What is tinnitus? 05:43 Why ringing ears are a warning sign 07:57 Meet Jono Heale & ACS Custom 10:55 Why custom earplugs work better 14:12 Why hearing damage is becoming more common 18:30 Jono's own hearing loss journey 22:40 Living with tinnitus every day 25:55 How Jono joined ACS Custom 30:20 Why musicians need hearing protection 36:10 The moment ACS changed Jono's career 37:30 The Musicians' Hearing Health Scheme 38:25 Why tinnitus can't currently be cured 43:05 Can one nightclub permanently damage your hearing? 45:40 Why dance music is harder on your ears 49:00 Why some people lose hearing faster than others 53:40 Are DJs more at risk? 56:15 The biggest myths about hearing protection 59:45 The future of hearing health 01:03:30 Jono's advice to every clubber