Factors Associated With High-fidelity Earplug Use at Social Music Venues and Its Otologic Benefits.

Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues. Cross-sectional online survey study. Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines. Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers. In this cohort (mean age 29 ± 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < .01), believed their hearing ability had decreased after attending music venues (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P < .01) than non-HP users. HP nonusers most frequently cited never considering HP (14.45%) and apathy about it affecting music quality (12.71%). Common sources of HP information were recommended by a friend/peer. Multivariable regression analysis accounting for demographics, medical history, and attendance characteristics found belief that HP use at music venues could protect from hearing loss (β = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49-0.78]) and HP use (β = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.47-1.98]) were significantly associated with increased subjective enjoyment while wearing HP. HP users and nonusers have significantly different perceptions of HP use and its impact. Our findings have implications for understanding motivations and barriers related to HP use and developing strategies to promote HP use at music venues.

Effect of earplug use and factors associated with noise induced hearing loss among occupational workers in Guangzhou, China

CDC Addresses Non-Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Objective: Noise-induced hearing problems among young adults are increasing due to participation in loud activities. This study explored attitudes towards leisure noise, hearing protection, and perceived susceptibility to noise damage in young adults with no diagnosed 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 18–35 years (6 male; 22 female; mean age 23 years). Results: Using framework analysis, five themes emerged. Earplug use occurred when participants had experienced previous temporary hearing damage (i.e. short-lived tinnitus or hearing loss). 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.

BackgroundNegative attitudes and beliefs are major contributing factors to the rising numbers of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases in coal mines both locally and internationally. International literature confirms limited knowledge surrounding employees’ attitudes and beliefs regarding NIHL and hearing protection devices (HPDs), hence the need for the study.ObjectivesTo ascertain the attitudes and beliefs about NIHL and HPD use among employees at a large scale underground coal mine in Mpumalanga.MethodA descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on Beliefs about Hearing Protection and Hearing Loss (BHPHL). Participants (n = 241) included employees from a coal mine in Mpumalanga, South Africa.ResultsOut of 241 completed surveys, this study found that 84% were aware of when to replace earmuffs; 95% believed wearing HPDs could prevent hearing loss in noisy environments; 83% felt their hearing was impacted by loud noise. Additionally, 86% mentioned discomfort from earmuff pressure; 95% emphasised HPD importance; and 95% used HPDs around loud sounds. Moreover, 98% knew how to properly wear earplugs, while lower education levels were linked to higher susceptibility to NIHL.ConclusionThe study identified positive attitudes towards NIHL and HPD use, but existing NIHL cases must be acknowledged. Organisations can use the findings to develop tailored hearing conservation programmes (HCP), including education, involving employees in protection decisions and promoting diligent HPD usage.ContributionThis study contributes to the limited literature on noise perceptions, NIHL, and HPD use in mining, emphasising the impact attitude has on HPD use and assessing the effect of miners NIHL knowledge on compliance. The findings, unique to coal mining, hold significance for enhancing hearing conservation and reducing NIHL.

Over the past four decades, there has been increasing interest in the effects of music listening on hearing. The purpose of this paper is to review published studies that detail the noise levels, the potential effects (e.g. noise-induced hearing loss), and the perceptions of those affected by music exposure in occupational and non-occupational settings. The review employed Medline, PubMed, PsychINFO, and the World Wide Web to find relevant studies in the scientific literature. Considered in this review are 43 studies concerning the currently most significant occupational sources of high-intensity music: rock and pop music playing and employment at music venues, as well as the most significant sources of non-occupational high-intensity music: concerts, dicotheques (clubs), and personal music players. Although all of the activities listed above have the potential for hearing damage, the most serious threat to hearing comes from prolonged exposures to amplified live music (concerts). The review concludes that more research is needed to clarify the hearing loss risks of music exposure from personal music players and that current scientific literature clearly recognizes an unmet hearing health need for more education regarding the risks of loud music exposure and the benefits of wearing hearing protection, for more hearing protection use by those at risk, and for more regulations limiting music intensity levels at music entertainment venues.

Excessive noise levels in music venues can negatively impact long-term hearing health. We investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and factors associated with hearing protection use among music event attendees. Cross-sectional cohort. Adult participants (2,352) from online music forums completed a questionnaire assessing attendance at music events, hearing protection (HP) usage, type, and frequency, along with history of hearing-related symptoms and medical history. Primary outcome was defined as HP use at music venues. Data were characterized using descriptive statistics, paired t tests, and Pearson's chi-squared tests. Multivariable regression analysis elicited factors associated with any and regular HP use. Our 2,352 respondents were primarily male (61.3%) and on average 28.7 years old (SD = 7.0). Of the respondents, 60.6% reported using HP, and 33.2% reported regular use; high-fidelity earplugs were the most used HP type (57.5%). HP use was associated with significantly fewer reports of negative hearing-related symptoms. In a multivariable regression model, factors associated with less likelihood of HP use included being female (vs male, OR = 0.74, CI = [0.55-0.98]), less concern about effects on hearing (OR = 0.53, CI = [0.45-0.61]), and pop music event attendance (vs EDM, OR = 0.40, CI = [0.22-0.72]). Increased attendance frequency in the past year was associated with higher likelihood of regular HP use (OR = 1.07, CI = [1.04-1.09]). Decreased attendance duration was associated with decreased likelihood (OR = 0.09, CI = [0.03-0.33]). HP use prevalence was high, while frequent use remained low. HP use was significantly associated with reduced hearing-related symptoms. Demographic factors, otologic symp-tomology, and attendance-related characteristics were associated with HP use. These findings may guide interventions to increase adoption at music venues. 4.

Exposure to hazardous noise is one of the most common occupational risks, both in the U.S. and worldwide. Repeated overexposure to noise at or above 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and difficulty understanding speech in noise. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease, depression, balance problems, and lower income. About 22 million U.S. workers are currently exposed to hazardous occupational noise. Approximately 33% of working-age adults with a history of occupational noise exposure have audiometric evidence of noise-induced hearing damage, and 16% of noise-exposed workers have material hearing impairment. While the Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing sectors typically have the highest prevalence of noise exposure and hearing loss, there are noise-exposed workers in every sector and every sector has workers with hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Increased understanding of the biological processes underlying noise damage may lead to protective pharmacologic or genetic therapies. For now, an integrated public health approach that (1) emphasizes noise control over reliance on hearing protection, (2) illustrates the full impact of hearing loss on quality of life, and (3) challenges the cultural acceptance of loud noise can substantially reduce the impact of noise on worker health.

An investigation of noise levels experienced by patrons and workers at entertainment venues, and a survey of exposure times, experience of adverse effects, attitudes towards noise levels and hearing protection, use of hearing protection, and knowledge of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) education campaigns were undertaken. Noise level measurements were taken at various points in the venues and a questionnaire was conducted with 303 of the patrons. Mean recorded sound levels exceeded 95 dB (A) and mean exposure time was almost five hours per session. The majority (81%) of respondents had suffered auditory symptoms such as temporary hearing loss, tinnitus and headache. The use of earplugs was low, especially in females and those under 26 years old. The results suggest that regular patrons and staff of these venues are at risk of NIHL. Recollection of a NIHL education campaign does not appear to influence the rate of hearing protection use. Regulating the noise level of venues must be considered as the most effective strategy to prevent NIHL.

Armed and Exposed

Noise exposure of firefighters results in increased risk of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be prevented by the consistent use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). However, little is known about firefighters' perceptions and attitudes on NIHL and HPD use. The purposes of the study were (1) to identify common noise sources of fire fighting equipment and activities; and (2) to describe the attitudes and beliefs of firefighters concerning the importance of their hearing, occupational noise exposure, NIHL, and HPD use. A nonexperimental, descriptive focus group design was used to gather qualitative data from firefighters at two fire houses in southeast Michigan. The study identified sources of noise unique to fire fighting, such as driving fire/emergency trucks with sirens on; operating water pumps, saws, and other equipment; and shouting to communicate with civilians and fellow firefighters. Firefighters acknowledged the significance of good hearing in fire fighting service but perceived NIHL was unavoidable on the job and viewed it as a small risk compared with other hazards. HPDs were not used regularly because firefighters believed they interfered with the ability to hear commands during emergency conditions, interfered with other required safety equipment, and were generally forgotten when gearing up. Firefighters recognized the importance of hearing health and the benefit of a hearing conservation program, including annual training, and identified several topics that should be included in a training program. These findings will provide critical information in planning what type of program should be developed and carried out for the fire fighting population.

To understand the related factors and mental health status of children with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and provide a reliable reference for the prevention and control of children's hearing health. This study was a retrospective study. Sixty-nine children diagnosed with NIHL attending First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from December 2021 to December 2023 were included, and general characteristics, audiological assessment, self-questionnaire on factors associated with hearing loss, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were collected to analyze the relevant factors of NIHL in children and their mental health status. The 69 NIHL patients included in the study were 50.73% male; the mean age of the patients used was 13.61 ± 2.00 years. Overall, 30.43% of the patients met the "notch" criteria, 59.42% met the high-frequency hearing loss criteria, and 10.14% met both criteria. The major correlation factor for hearing loss was dominated by prolonged use of headphones (82.60%), followed by practicing musical instruments without hearing protection (10.14%), and the majority of the patients showed minor hearing loss (91.30%). The total SDQ score of the included patients was 16.12 ± 1.89, which was borderline. The emotional symptoms score was 6.42 ± 0.76, which was also borderline. The scores of conduct problems, hyperactive behavior, peer interaction problems, and pro-social behaviors were at normal levels. For children with NIHL, long-term use of headphones was the main associated factor, characterized by high-frequency hearing loss and minor hearing loss. At the same time, the children showed mental health problems that mainly included emotional symptoms.

Occupational noise poses a persistent hazard to hearing, while lack of awareness and inadequate hearing protection device (HPD) training heighten the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Few studies have investigated the effects of NIHL and HPD use in Saudi Arabia, with only one in Jeddah. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational NIHL and assess workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HPDs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included 200 industrial workers aged 18-55 years who were exposed to noise. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and chi-squared tests. A 32-item questionnaire assessed the KAP regarding occupational NIHL and HPD usage. Hearing screening was conducted using pure-tone audiometry at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz. Participants who failed screening underwent a comprehensive audiological evaluation. The analysis revealed that 39.5% of the participants failed hearing screening. Regarding participants' knowledge, 82% believed that noise could affect hearing, 64.5% believed that NIHL could be prevented, and only 35% knew that it was permanent. In terms of HPD usage, 49% always wore them and 34% wore them sometimes. The main reason for not using HPDs was the difficulty communicating with others while wearing them (40%). Findings revealed that the prevalence of occupational NIHL was higher than the global prevalence. Thus, hearing conservation programs and enhanced awareness of the permanent nature of NIHL can encourage HPD utilization, which is crucial for preventing diminished productivity, income, and overall quality of life.

This study examines perceptions of rock concert attendees about risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and use of hearing protection at a busy Toronto rock concert venue. Two hundred and four questionnaires were completed and returned (75% response rate) by attendees at four rock concerts. The respondents had an average age of 20.6 years and 55.4% were male. Thirty-four point three percent (34.3%) thought that it was somewhat likely and 39.8% thought it was very likely that noise levels at music concerts could damage their hearing, but 80.2% said that they never wore hearing protection at such events. Tinnitus and other hearing disturbances were experienced by 84.7% and 37.8% of attendees, respectively. Both experiencing hearing disturbances and concern about developing hearing loss were statistically significantly associated with concert attendees' use of hearing protection. Previous use of hearing protection, a higher score on a scale of readiness for behavioural change (Prochaska scale) and lack of concern about the appearance of ear plugs were statistically significantly associated with a reported willingness to use hearing protection in the future if it were provided for free at the door. Hearing protection is currently not worn by most attendees of rock concerts who are at risk of developing NIHL. Ear plugs and tactful NIHL education should be provided at the door, coupled with strategies to reduce music sound levels to safer listening levels.

ObjectivesNoise-induced hearing loss can be prevented. A cross-sectional study aimed to a) assess sound pressure level (SPL) and average SPL for an 8-h period at working sites; and b) examine...