A new study indicates that six out of ten teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss as result of listening to music at high volumes.

Pilot tests involving second and third level students indicate that over 60% were listening to music at damaging levels.

The tests are part of an awareness campaign by DeafHear, the national organisation for people with a hearing loss in Ireland.

The organisation says most young people don't realise that hearing loss caused by noise damage can't be reversed.