Here's something that ought to make your neighbours happy.
New research in the medical journal Thorax reveals that, apart from the risk to your ears, blasting music could also lead to a collapsed lung.
It cites the cases of four young men who suffered a collapse (called pneumothorax), apparently triggered by loud music. Three were at a club when it occurred; the fourth was in his car, listening to a 1,000-watt bass box.
How exactly does a pneumothorax occur?
When a small rupture in one of the lungs allows air to leak into the space between the lungs and chest wall, causing collapse. The symptoms include chest pain on the affected side, and breathlessness. While an underlying lung disease is sometimes the culprit, spontaneous pneumothorax can happen even in the absence of disease, often affecting tall, thin male smokers.
The researchers suspect loud music may damage lungs on account of its booming bass frequency, felt as a vibration through the body. When the lungs start vibrating in the same frequency as the bass, a rupture may occur.
Not standing too close to speakers may be a good idea, after all. And yes, you might also want to start listening to your neighbours more often.
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