A report commissioned by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID), has condemned the UK’s nightclubs for playing music on dangerously high levels.

The RNID studied 15 nightclubs in five UK cities – London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast – and found that at some venues the noise levels on the dance floor reached around 110dB, the equivalent of standing next to a an aircraft engine during takeoff.

But it isn’t just the dance floor volume that concerned researchers. The report states that the most worrying discoveries were made about the state of chillout rooms – areas set aside for clubbers to sit down and give their ears a break.

Three clubs did not have chill out rooms at all, while at one of them the noise was actually louder than on the dance floor.

In the remaining 11 chillout rooms, the noise levels averaged at 92.3dB, well above the recommended level for noise at the workplace.

Dr John Low, RNID chief executive, said: “The lack of adequate chillout space for clubbers is worrying as it means that people aren’t able to take breaks from loud noise even if they want to.

“This new survey shows that clubbers following our advice – to protect themselves against the cumulative effects of loud music by taking regular breaks – are being let down by club owners who are failing to provide this space.”

The RNID has called on club owners to provide chillout space where noise levels do not exceed 80dB and to publish noise levels for the dance floor and the bar where they can be seen by staff and guests.

Low said: “ The RNID doesn’t want to discourage people from clubbing or call for legislation to lower volume. Instead we want club owners to act responsibly by providing clear information about noise levels and the effect on their customer’s hearing.”