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Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Estimating adolescent risk for hearing loss based on data from a large school-based survey.
Ineke Vogel1, Hans Verschuure, Catharina P B van der Ploeg
1Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. i.vogel@erasmusmc.nl
American Journal of Public Health
|April 17, 2010
Summary
Many adolescents risk permanent hearing loss from loud music exposure. Over half exceeded occupational noise limits, with MP3 players being a significant factor, linking symptoms to high-volume music.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Voluntary exposure to high-volume music is common among adolescents.
- Concerns exist regarding the risk of permanent hearing loss and associated symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the risk of permanent hearing loss in adolescents due to voluntary high-volume music exposure.
- To assess the association between such exposure and hearing-related symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 1512 adolescents (aged 12-19) completed questionnaires on music listening habits and symptoms.
- Noise exposure was estimated using self-reported data and published sound levels.
- Exposure levels were compared against a modified version of European occupational noise safety standards.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of adolescents exceeded occupational noise safety standards.
- One-third exceeded standards due to MP3 player use alone.
- Hearing symptoms were associated with MP3 player use and discotheque attendance.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents frequently exceed occupational noise exposure safety standards.
- There is a clear need for specific safety standards for leisure-time noise exposure.
- High-volume music consumption poses a significant risk to adolescent hearing health.
