Sir, - May I enter the fray regarding deaf soldiers, instigated by your Kevin Myers, by asking whether or not the Department of Defence tests the hearing of recruits on initial selection?
The I put this question because I believe that the aural capabilities of practically all young persons in their teens and twenties is below par compared with us oldies. The culprit? Loud music played at discos and night-clubs at a level far greater than that recognised as safe in an industrial environment, and causing progressive deafness. The proof of what I say can be heard at various times when walking down a street, or travelling on a bus. One becomes aware occasionally of a rasping, rhythmic noise, which initially defies explanation, but which, on closer investigation, turns out to be a Walkman or similar machine played at what would normally be an uncomfortable volume by a young person several yards away, the excessive decibels clearly indicating a serious hearing defect. - Yours, etc.,
Castle Avenue, Dublin 3.