Minority Adolescent Perceptions of Perceived Risk of Hearing Loss and Hearing Conservation Measures

Historically, hearing loss was a condition that only affected the elderly. Due to increasing technological advances, Noise Induced Hearing Loss is on the rise for all populations. Hearing conservation programs aim to educate the public about Noise Induced Hearing Loss and how to prevent it. Most of the current research on hearing conservation programs has concentrated on majority groups. Additional research was warranted to examine how minority groups perceive noise and respond to hearing conservation programs. A survey was used at assess adolescents hearing conservation behaviors pre and post delivery of a hearing conservation education. 48 sixth, seventh and eighth graders participated in the study. First, the survey examined the student's knowledge of the anatomy and functions of the ear. Second, the survey used hypothetical vignettes to examine the student's behaviors in noise. This study found that knowledge of the hearing mechanism, hearing loss and conservation improved. This study also found that the majority of participants were not more likely after the hearing conservation education to change their behavior. More research needs to be facilitated on the effectiveness of hearing conservation education programs for this specific population.