Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Most school-aged children experience exposure to hazardous sound levels via high-risk noise activities (e.g. loud music/concerts, firearms). Little information exists regarding factors influencing pediatric engagement in these activities and use of hearing protection devices. This study explores effects of age, gender, and attitudes toward noise on participation in acoustic risk-taking behaviors and hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. STUDY SAMPLE Children and adolescents (10-19 years) with normal hearing. RESULTS: Most children and adolescents (86.5%) participate in at least one potentially high-risk noise behavior. The most frequently cited activities include sporting events, concerts, and playing a musical instrument. Use of hearing protection devices varies by activity, with consistent wear while using firearms but inconsistent application during all other activities. Gender, but not age, influences acoustic risk-taking behaviors Boys engage in significantly more high-risk noise activities than girls. Participants expressed a neutral attitude toward noise that persisted across age and gender, but a trend shifting toward a pro-noise attitude emerges in later adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: The proliferation of acoustic risk-taking behaviors and lack of hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents requires attention at an early age to prevent future noise-induced hearing loss and subsequent quality of life effects.