“There are more important things to worry about”:attitudes and behaviours towards leisure noise and use ofhearing protection in young adults

Hunter, Abby

Abstract

Objective: Noise-induced hearing problems among young adults are increasing due to participation in activities where music is played at a loud volume. This study explored attitudes towards leisure noise, hearing protection, and perceived susceptibility to noise damage in young adults with no hearing problems. Understanding attitudes and behaviours will assist with the future development of strategies to improve awareness and use of hearing protection.
Design: A qualitative study.
Study Sample: Four focus groups, with 28 adults aged between 18 and 35 years (6 male; 22 female; mean age 23 years).
Results: Using Framework Analysis, five themes emerged. Earplug use occurred when participants had experienced previous hearing damage. Others chose not to use earplugs because music venues are expected to be loud. Peer behaviours and opinions also had a strong influence over earplug use. A lack of knowledge of hearing related damage resulted in a lack of concern for hearing health and other health conditions taking priority.
Conclusions: The challenge is to present hearing health messages that are relevant and accessible to young adults. Music and entertainment venues must also take greater responsibility to protect the hearing of its customers by at least informing visitors of the dangers of loud music.

Citation

Hunter, A. (2018). “There are more important things to worry about”:attitudes and behaviours towards leisure noise and use ofhearing protection in young adults. International Journal of Audiology, 57(6), 449-456. https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2018.1430383

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 16, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jan 29, 2018
• Publication Date: Jun 30, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jan 26, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 30, 2019
• Journal: International Journal of Audiology
• Print ISSN: 1499-2027
• Electronic ISSN: 1708-8186
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 57
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 449-456
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14992027.2018.1430383
• Keywords: Noise-induced hearing problems; tinnitus; leisure noise; attitudes; earplugs
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/907178
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14992027.2018.1430383
• Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Audiology on 29 January 2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14992027.2018.1430383