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

Live music events expose attendees to unsafe noise levels associated with noise-induced hearing loss. High-fidelity earplugs (HFEs), a convenient alternative to other hearing protection modalities (foam, moldable earplugs, etc.), provide greater protection without impacting sound quality. This study examines the otologic benefits and factors associated with HFE use, including hearing-related beliefs, exposure history, and symptoms, compared with other hearing protection (OHP) users.

Cross-sectional survey.

Participants in online music communities (n=2352) were queried. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics, paired t tests, Pearson χ 2 , and multivariable logistic regression.

HFEs were the most used modality among hearing protection users (57%). Relative to OHP users, HFE users were more concerned about the impact of music venues on their hearing and more often cited previous post-event hearing-related symptoms and maintained music quality as justifications for using HFEs (all P <0.001). HFE users less often reported difficulty hearing others, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, and dizziness or loss of balance (all P <0.05). In a multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographic and attendance characteristics, HFE users were more likely to have a history of diagnosed hearing problems (OR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.83-4.00) and experience symptom resolution [2.38 (1.67-3.40)]. Increased annual event attendance was positively associated with HFE usage [1.04 (1.02-1.07)]. Relative to EDM events, country [0.51 (0.27-0.96)], hip-hop/rap [0.58 (0.39-0.86)], and pop [0.40 (0.27-0.60)] event attendance decreased use likelihood.

HFE users more often reported improved post-event otologic symptomology while maintaining music enjoyment. Increased awareness of HFEs may encourage healthier hearing habits among music venue attendees.

Level 4.