If there’s one thing I really dislike when I’m out at any social function, or even a meal out with family or friends, it’s what people often incorrectly call “background music”.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve nothing against real background music, but if it’s so loud that you can’t hold a conversation with people without having to shout or use sign language to communicate, then it’s too loud.

For any DJs reading this who seem to think it’s their job to deafen people, the clue is in the word “background”.

I know I’m getting on a bit – nearly 50 as I write this – but this is not an age thing, as I’ve almost always felt this way (certainly, from my late teens onwards).

If you do want your music to be deafeningly loud (and that’s not just a figure of speech – it really can cause hearing loss) then by all means do so in the comfort of your own home, or wear earplugs / headsets, or go somewhere like a nightclub where loud music is what’s expected.

But for the rest of us, the world is already too full of noise and distraction, so please don’t add to it unnecessarily.