Risky listening behaviour to music via headphones and its determinants – 7.5 years OHRKAN cohort study

Abstract

Objective To examine risky leisure noise exposure from listening to music via headphones and to identify potential determinants with special focus on portable listening devices (PLDs) among adolescents over a period of 7.5-years. Design Data were collected by questionnaires at four equidistant time points (O1-O4). Music exposure via headphones was calculated based on self-reported volume setting and listening duration. Exceeding 85 dB(A) equivalent for a 40-hour working week was defined as risky noise exposure. Determinants of risky headphone and PLD exposure were investigated using generalised estimating equations and accounting for missing data by multiple imputation. Study sample Closed cohort of 2148 students attending 9th grade of any secondary school type in Regensburg (Germany), during 2009 to 2011. Results Risky noise exposure from headphone usage was almost twice as high in wave O1 and O2 (at age 15 or 18) compared with 20–23-year-olds in O3 and O4. Risky exposure to headphones and PLDs were associated with younger age, low and medium education, single-parent household and smoking, whereas good self-rated hearing showed a protective effect. Additionally, not being born in Germany was associated with risky PLD exposure. Conclusion Before harmful behaviours become entrenched, starting preventive efforts at a young age is essential.