Attitudes toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms, and reported use of hearing protection among college students: Influence of youth culture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitude toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms, noisy activities that were participated in, and factors associated with hearing protection use among college students. A 44-item online survey was completed by 2,151 college students (aged 17 years and above) to assess the attitudes toward noise, perceived hearing symptoms related to noise exposure, and use of hearing protection around noisy activities. Among the participants, 39.6% experienced at least one hearing symptom, with ear pain as the most frequently reported (22.5%). About 80% of the participants were involved in at least one noise activity, out of which 41% reported the use of hearing protection. A large majority of those with ear pain, hearing loss, permanent tinnitus, and noise sensitivity was involved in attending a sporting event, which was the most reported noisy activity. The highest reported hearing protection use was in the use of firearms, and the lowest in discos/ dances. The reported use of hearing protection is associated with having at least one hearing symptom but the relationship is stronger with tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear pain (χ2 = 30.5-43.5, P < 0.01) as compared to noise sensitivity (χ2 = 3.8, P = 0.03); it is also associated with anti-noise attitudes, particularly in youth social events. Universities and colleges have important roles in protecting young adults’ hearing by integrating hearing conservation topic in the college curriculum, promoting hearing health by student health services, involving student groups in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) awareness and prevention, and establishing noise level limitations for all on-campus events.

Attitudes, Risk Behavior, and Noise Exposure among Young Adults with Hearing Problems: Identifying a Typology

“…15 In relation to noise, those who have experienced hearing symptoms (e.g., tinnitus, noise sensitivity, or temporary hearing loss) are more likely to have negative attitudes toward noise and loud levels of music, 16 and they are therefore more likely to use hearing protection than those who have positive attitudes toward noise. 17,18 However, experiencing hearing problems is not always a motivator for hearing protection. Recent studies in the United Kingdom and Belgium found a high prevalence of temporary NIHP in students, 14,19 and yet the use of hearing protection was minimal and the majority said the risk of hearing damage would not affect their nightclub attendance.…”

“…[21][22][23] A study in the United States found that less than 10% of college students reported using hearing protection for rock concerts, discos, and sporting events. 18 Perceived individual susceptibility to hearing damage and perception of risk is likely to be one factor influencing earplug use. An online survey of Australian young adults found that those who engaged in noisy activities showed early signs of hearing damage, 24 and although some recognized the risk associated with noise exposure, few had started to reduce that risk by using earplugs.…”

“…14 The majority of research on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that may underlie young adults' behavior with respect to noise and hearing protection has been conducted in the United States and Australia. 11,12,17,18,20,21,[24][25][26] In the United Kingdom, research is limited. Furthermore, the majority of research has been conducted on people without known hearing problems.…”

Association of Behavior With Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Attendees of an Outdoor Music Festival

“…31,32 A secondary aim of this study was therefore to analyze self-reported outcomes that may influence earplug use during a music festival. We intended to gain insights in the behavior of music festival attendees during a festival visit, including earplug use and the time spent near stages and loudspeakers as well as alcohol and drug use.…”

Utilização de estéreos pessoais por alunos do ensino médio: mensuração da intensidade utilizada e hábitos de uso

“…Schools are privileged spaces for implementation of public policies, especially health education ones, as they allow the promotion of auditory health and prevention of hearing loss in adolescents (10,11) .…”