We've just reviewed an MP3 player, aimed at children, which has a maximum sound output level of 60dB. The marketing blurb behind this idea is that it helps prevent damage to hearing, which is likely to occur during repeated exposure to sounds above 80dB in adults, although that limit may be lower in children.

Apple recently did something similar with its newer iPods, allowing users to limit the sound output and circumventing accusations - mainly of the legal, compensation-seeking kind - that its products damage people's hearing.

80dB isn't particularly loud. Some rock gigs can hit 120dB, while nightclub audio systems regularly exceed 100dB, which is also the UK legal limit for MP3 players. Yet repeated exposure to any of these levels of noise is highly likely to permanently damage your hearing.

I've experienced deafness on two occasions in my life. The first time was many years ago, caused by an ear infection which somehow (insert your own explanation here) spread from one ear to the other. I was deaf for a couple of days, and actually rather enjoyed the experience, although not the cure, which involved a medical vacuum cleaner, topical application of penicillin powder and a lot of pain.

The second occasion was more recent. Last month, in fact, following a trip to the newly-reopened Honeyclub in Brighton, where Judge Jules was playing. The music didn't seem particularly loud, but new sound systems rarely do, because there's little distortion by which to gauge the volume. But people had to shout in my ear in order to be heard, which might perhaps have given me some warning.

When I left the club I was partially deaf, as though my head had been wrapped in cotton wool. That has never happened to me before: previously a mild ringing in the ears is the worst I've experienced after a night of clubbing. Alarmingly, the partial deafness lasted for the next day or so, before my hearing returned to a level that seemed normal.

But the ringing in my ears, although it reduced in volume, didn't disappear. Over a month later, I still have tinnitus. It's not loud enough to affect me during the day, but I hear it at night and in the morning, when the world is relatively quiet.

I don't know if this will stay with me for the rest of my life, or if it'll clear up after a few more months. But I now carry a set of earplugs with me wherever I go, attached to my key-ring. And I don't use MP3 players. I won't take the risk of permanently losing my hearing or exacerbating the tinnitus.

I was surprised to find that there's no law protecting clubbers, rock fans and other people who go to noisy events. Venue owners have a duty to protect their employees' hearing, but as for the general public... tough.

This is strange, given that damage to other senses is taken far more seriously. There are strict power limits on laser lighting equipment, for example, because if you were blinded while out clubbing, you'd be phoning a solicitor faster than you can say "Blames Direct".

The negative effects of hearing loss and tinnitus have to be experienced to be believed. I hope that more MP3 player manufacturers decide to limit the volume output of their products. It'll make train journeys nicer, too.

As for all you DJs, club owners, gig organisers and concert managers... turn it down, people. It's not worth losing the music. Not to mention retrospective court cases for personal injury once the law catches on.