Prevalence of Leisure Noise-Induced Tinnitus and the Attitude Toward Noise in University Students

• DOI: 10.1097/mao.0b013e31825d640a
• Publication Date: 2012-06-19T18:17:45Z
• Authors: Annick Gilles; Dirk De Ridder; Guido Van Hal; Kristien Wouters; Andrea Kleine Punte; Paul Van de Heyning
• Keywords: Hyperacusis

Background Adolescents and young adults often are exposed to potentially damaging loud music during leisure activities. As a consequence, more suffer from tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis. The present study provides prevalence numbers for noise-induced tinnitus (NIT) in this group, the attitude toward music, factors influencing use of protection (HP). Method A questionnaire was undertaken evaluate influence permanent/transient after attitudes noise, peers, ability manipulate HP on HP. completed by 145 university students. Results Approximately 89.5% students had experienced transient exposure. NIT higher female subjects compared with male Permanent 14.8%. Nevertheless, few respondents were worried, degree low (11%). However, presence permanent motivation use. Most held neutral positive (i.e., pronoise) not fully aware risks too much noise Conclusion is common phenomenon among adults. lack knowledge underuse activities provide useful information refine preventive measures future.