Guitarists, zookeepers and even librarians could all be risking serious damage to their hearing, according to a Thanet-based specialist.

Audiologist Mark Scutchings from Hearbase, which has a clinic at the QEQM hospital in Margate, tested seven local people to see who had to put up with the loudest noise.

Local guitarist Jim Knowler recorded the highest average noise level of 124 decibels at a private gig in Broadstairs - the equivalent of standing beside a fighter jet taking off.

Jim, who performs with the band Hullabaloo, said: “I thought the gig was relatively quiet compared to some of our others. I can’t imagine how loud they are! I am worried about my hearing, as it is my livelihood.”

Mr Scutchings said: “The European Union has set the safe level for noise at 80 decibels." And his tests showed that level was superceeded at Port Lympne wild life park, a library - and by a screaming baby.

Simon Jeffery, who looks after primates at Port Lympne wild animal park, recorded the second highest average noise level at 121 decibels, with new mum Zoe Cloke’s patience tested by her noisy newborn Ossie’s screams of up to 130 decibels.

The research also showed that libraries may not be the quiet places they are renowned for; Tina Thundow endures average noise levels of 115 decibels in her role as a librarian in Whitstable.

Mr Scutchings added: “A good rule of thumb is if you can’t hear someone shouting when you’re at work, then your workplace is too loud and you could end up damaging your hearing permanently.”