Abstract:
There is great concern regarding the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in youth caused by high sound
levels during various leisure activities. Health-orientated behavior of young adults might be linked to the beliefs and
attitudes toward noise, hearing loss, and hearing protector devices (HPDs). The objective of the current study was to
evaluate the effects of attitudes and beliefs toward noise, hearing loss, and HPDs on young adults’ hearing status. A
questionnaire and an audiological test battery were completed by 163 subjects (aged 18-30 years). The questionnaire
contained the Youth Attitude to Noise Scale (YANS) and Beliefs about Hearing Protection and Hearing Loss (BAHPHL).
A more positive attitude or belief represented an attitude where noise or hearing loss is seen as unproblematic and
attitudes and beliefs regarding HPDs is worse. Hearing was evaluated using (high frequency) pure tone audiometry
(PTA), transient evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. First, mean differences in hearing between the
groups with different attitudes and beliefs were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Second, a χ²
test was used to examine the usage of HPDs by the different groups with different attitudes and beliefs. Young adults
with a positive attitude had significantly more deteriorated hearing and used HPDs less than the other subjects. Hearing
conservation programs (HCPs) for young adults should provide information and knowledge regarding noise, hearing
loss, and HPDs. Barriers wearing HPDs should especially be discussed. Further, those campaigns should focus on selfexperienced
hearing related symptoms that might serve as triggers for attitudinal and behavioral changes.
