Abstract
Action to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is necessary, especially because many causes of permanent hearing loss are preventable. The aim of this study is to identify and raise awareness of the effect of loud sounds on hearing and effective ways to protect ears among young adults in Jordan. Using non-probability and convenience sampling, 245 students (113 female and 132 males, aged 21.5 years ± 2.18) from three universities participated in the study and filled the questionnaire completely. The questionnaire consisted of 19 questions targeting hearing health. The answers were analyzed statistically, and comparisons were made using the t-test. Hearing loss was regarded as an important issue by 64.1% of the participants. Among the participants, 58% already suffered from at least one hearing symptom, even though only 9.8% used earplugs to protect their hearing. After receiving information on noise-induced hearing loss, 56.3% were likely or somewhat likely to use earplugs in the future (p < 0.01). This indicates that education and knowledge have a strong influence on student attitudes. It is obvious that the awareness of noise-induced hearing loss among adults in Jordan is very low. The authorities, policymakers, media, and educational institutes should recognize their responsibility in raising the awareness of the danger of loud music among young adults.
Highlights
Hearing impairment is a major challenge for public health organizations
In comparison with depression as another important health issue for young adults, 76.3% (n = 187) felt that depression is a big or very big problem (this percentage was 12.2% higher than hearing loss, which was significant (x2 = 10.01, p < 0.01, p = 0.0016)), and only 23.7% felt that it is either not a big problem or not a problem at all
When asked about imagining themselves suffering from hearing loss, there was a slight insignificant change in their opinion, such that 63.3% assumed that hearing loss would be a challenging problem if they were suffering from it
Summary
Hearing impairment is a major challenge for public health organizations. According to the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), there are approximately 466 million people living with disabling hearing loss, including approximately 34 million children. Hearing impairment is a major challenge for public health organizations. Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 466 million people living with disabling hearing loss, including approximately 34 million children. Of these, nearly 90% live in middleand low-income countries. Previous reports have highlighted the significance of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), both work- and recreational activity-related NIHL [1,2]. In the United States, the estimated percentage of individuals with hearing impairment is around 14.4% of adults aged 18 years and above, and approximately 10 million of them suffer from hearing loss due to noise exposure [3,4]. In the UK, approximately 11 million people have a hearing impairment [5]
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