Pete Tong’s Essential Sound Check
Pete Tong’s Essential Sound Check
5 minutes
lifestyle 2 March 2026
2 March 2026
Using the power of music to highlight the impact of hearing loss and spark action
This World Hearing Day (3 March), we’ve partnered with legendary DJ and broadcaster Pete Tong to encourage more people to check their hearing.
Pete has spent decades at the heart of dance music culture, from early DJ sets in Kent to broadcasting to millions on BBC Radio 1 and making Ibiza his spiritual home. Like many people regularly exposed to loud environments, he began to notice changes in his hearing.
Tests confirmed high-frequency hearing loss in his left ear, and he was fitted with his first hearing devices ten years ago.
“Music is meant to be felt, experienced, and shared” – Pete Tong
To mark the campaign, Pete hosted an immersive event in London where guests experienced a live DJ set, including a bespoke track designed to demonstrate how hearing loss can affect the way we experience music.
The session showed how different types of hearing loss can distort sounds, helping people better understand the real impact on everyday moments.
“Music is meant to be felt, experienced, and shared,” says Pete. “When you lose your hearing, you lose part of that connection, not just to music, but to the people and moments that matter most.”
More than 100 guests also took part in live hearing checks, highlighting how quick and straightforward it can be to test your hearing.
A personal journey
Without hearing devices, Pete finds it difficult to hear higher-pitched voices, doorbells and conversations in busy places such as restaurants and bars.
His message is simple:
“Be proactive. Don’t wait until you notice a problem to get your hearing checked. Act sooner, get advice and keep enjoying the sounds and world around you.”
Breaking the stigma around hearing loss
Our research shows:
• 46% of people with untreated hearing loss have stopped socialising due to difficulty hearing
• 74% believe there is still a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids
• 23% say untreated hearing loss has negatively affected their mental health
• 27% feel it has impacted their relationships with family and friends
Modern hearing devices are smaller, more discreet and more connected than ever before. Many can link directly to smartphones via Bluetooth, helping you manage calls, music and everyday listening more easily.
Protect your hearing – and your love of music
We’re encouraging anyone who may have noticed changes in their hearing to Book your free hearing test today with Boots Hearingcare
Changes in your hearing may include:
• Struggling to hear conversations
• Turning up the TV volume
• Finding it harder to hear in noisy environments
Protect your hearing
If you are in loud environments such as concerts or festivals protect your hearing.
Author
Boots Hearingcare
Boots Hearingcare