Document Type

Capstone Project

Publication Date

3-17-2019

First Advisor

Antony Joseph, MA., Au.D., Ph.D., ABAC, CCC-A, CPS/A, F-NAP

Keywords

hearing, tinnitus, noise exposure, recreational, university, risk, hearing protection

Disciplines

Speech and Hearing Science | Speech Pathology and Audiology

Abstract

Concern about noise exposure in recreational settings is growing and unsafe levels of sound are frequently being experienced in a variety of non-occupational settings such as pubs, nightclubs, concerts, parties, and fitness classes. Damage to the auditory system may occur with regular participation in these loud activities. A case study was conducted to estimate sound exposure levels and risk associated with common activities. Findings demonstrated that pubs presented a hazardous sound environment, so information about health-oriented behavior is essential to effectively improve hearing conservation awareness for university students. Public awareness and personal hearing protection should be strongly considered to prevent hearing loss. Audiologists should encourage a healthy-hearing lifestyle and discourage exposure to loud sports without use of protection. Children and young adults should be properly educated about entertainment-related excessive sound exposure and encouraged to periodically monitor their hearing. Protection should be used in both ears during exposure to loud sound and prevention of hearing loss should be prioritized, especially in the young adult population, to avoid irreversible damage to the auditory system. Entertainment authorities should be encouraged to educate spectators about the excessive sound levels that are likely to be experienced at their events and should also make hearing protection easily accessible.

Download

Share

COinS