Attitudes toward noise and hearing protection are likely to influence behavior. This can be achieved by changing attitudes and ensuring protective behaviors, such as using earplugs, are adopted. Although changes at the systemic level such as reducing noise levels at venues can be implemented, changes at the individual level are also beneficial.
One course of action is to try and prevent young people from developing hearing problems in the first place. Young adults are a particularly vulnerable group because they often participate in activities where music is played at loud volumes.Īs a result, there has been an increase in NIHP among the younger generation. However, no such regulations exist to protect the hearing of members of the public attending loud venues. Despite venues not always enforcing the use of hearing protection,Īt least regulations for employees do exist. However, limited laws exist in nonoccupational settings, and a typical nightclub can achieve noise levels between 104 and 112 dB.įortunately, employees working in the UK music and entertainment sector are protected by The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) requiring employers to prevent or reduce risks to employees' hearing in the workplace. In occupational noise environments, hearing protection regulations are in place. It is estimated that 1.1 billion young people could be at risk of developing noise-induced hearing problems (NIHP).įrequent noise exposure louder than 90 dB can pose a much higher risk of hearing problems,Ĭompared with lower levels of noise. Impaired hearing and tinnitus are known to adversely affect the quality of life and may lead to psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. Noise exposure also can cause tinnitus (the perception of sounds in the head or ears, in the absence of any external sound). The damage may not be immediate but results in accelerated hearing loss over the following decades of life. However, even low noise levels are still able to cause irreversible damage to the cochlea. Considering the wide variability, it may be more effective to shift attention from trying to change individual attitudes and behaviors to considering systemic changes to protect hearing, through ensuring the music industry and relevant authorities take greater responsibility.Īs a result of this activity, the participant will be able to (1) describe the potential barriers, as well as benefits, for earplug use, and (2) identify categories of young people with hearing problems describing the variation in attitudes and behaviors toward leisure noise and hearing protection.Įxposure to loud noise can cause damage to the inner ear and can result in hair cell death leading to hearing loss (American Hearing Research Foundation). Four types of people were identified to describe the variation in attitudes and behaviors: those who had no change in behavior or concern about damage those who were concerned and used earplugs those who were concerned and avoided loud venues and those who were concerned about communication difficulties only. Of those who had used earplugs, previous hearing-related symptoms and concern about future hearing damage were the main motivators for use. The aesthetics, comfort, perceived effects on music quality and attitude of others were all barriers to earplug use. The results showed that a positive attitude to noise, a passion for loud music, a lack of knowledge of the consequences of noise damage, and perceived low risk of hearing problems were associated with people not using earplugs. Data were analyzed using framework analysis.
Twelve participants aged between 18 and 35 years took part in a semistructured interview.
This study explored attitudes toward leisure noise, use of hearing protection, and perceived susceptibility to leisure-noise damage in young adults with hearing problems.
0 kommentar(er)
