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Noise and hearing loss: a review
1Department of Health Science, SUNY College at Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420, USA. edaniel@brockport.edu
The Journal of School Health
|April 14, 2007
Summary
Noise-induced hearing loss is rising in young people due to loud noise exposure. Health education is crucial to prevent hearing impairment by addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting hearing protection.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant cause of deafness in the U.S.
- NIHL is increasingly prevalent in young adults and children due to portable music player use.
- Limited treatment options necessitate a focus on prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for NIHL.
- To examine the role of comorbidity in NIHL.
- To assess the importance of health education in preventing NIHL.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of NIHL.
- Analysis of the role of health education in NIHL prevention.
Main Results:
- Non-modifiable risk factors include age, genetics, male gender, and race.
- Modifiable risk factors include voluntary loud noise exposure, nonuse of hearing protection, smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, tooth loss, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Rising hearing impairment in youth is linked to voluntary loud noise exposure.
Conclusions:
- Health education must address barriers to hearing protection use.
- Interventions should target deliberate exposure to loud music and other modifiable risk factors.
- Preventing and delaying hearing impairment requires early childhood health behavior modification.
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