Cultural and Social Perspectives on Attitudes, Noise, and Risk Behavior in Children and Young Adults

ABSTRACT

Interdisciplinary research is critical to the prevention of hearing loss in children and young adults. To meet that goal, this paper focuses on the relationship between the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss, attitudes to noise and exposure, and how hearing protection use seems to be linked to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Results of a series of studies point to attitudes as one explanatory factor. Additionally, the experience of hearing symptoms such as tinnitus and noise sensitivity increases the likelihood that adolescents and young adults will choose to wear earplugs when attending clubs or discotheques. This behavior can be referred to as an important “trigger” mechanism for the development of health-related behavior. Some general theories on health behavior are discussed to understand the role attitudes play for hearing prevention in young people. Finally, the finding that adolescents seeking professional help for tinnitus appear to have strong fears related to anxious thoughts and reactions associated with the condition is addressed. These fears can be a sign of a phobic reaction, something that most often first appears during adolescence. For these reasons, interdisciplinary research in the investigation of tinnitus distress and hearing conservation in young people seems to be the most relevant approach.

Attitudes - noise exposure - adolescence - hearing-related symptoms - socioeconomic status

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