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

Hunter, Abby

Authors

Abby Hunter



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 Mar 29, 2024
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

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