[Risk of hearing loss caused by high volume music--presenting an educational concept for preventing hearing loss in adolescents]

Abstract

During an one-hour lecture 277 pupils between 16 and 25 years of age, were questioned about their hearing behaviour and instructed in the consequences of hearing impairment resulting from listening to loud music. Furthermore audiometrics were offered and there was possibility to measure the loudness of the walkman used. A majority visited "discos" and/or used walkman. Over 80% claimed their hearing is good, over 75% knew that loud music can cause damage to hearing. The walkman users suffered more frequently from tinnitus and failed to hear a door bell more often. After the instruction 75% of the pupils were willing to protect their hearing in future. Eight of 89 pupils had a hearing reduction of up to 40 dB(A). The average sound pressure level of the walkman was 104 dB(A).