Hardcore ravers and heavy metal fans will know the distinct ringing that a head full of loud speakers brings, but many workplaces carry the same risks.

Researchers say the odds of experiencing tinnitus – a ringing or buzzing in the ears – increases with prolonged exposure to workplace noise. 

A new study published in Hearing Research has plotted the importance of factors including age, gender and noise exposure in the frequency and severity of tinnitus.

Previous studies have shown a link between loud music and increased tinnitus frequency, but the new report found other types of noise exposure can also have a similar effect.

Researchers surveyed 4950 people and asked them questions about lifetime music exposure, hearing difficulties and frequency of tinnitus.

They found tinnitus to be very common, with 59 per cent of respondents reporting episodes that lasted more than 5 minutes, at least some of the time.

The team says that the research did not find a strong link between tinnitus and hearing loss: 76 per cent of those who suffered from usual or constant tinnitus reported no or only slight difficulty hearing.

The study is accessible here.