Risky Behavior and Exposure to Noise Among Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents are under greater risk of noise influence which affects their psychophysical health. The most common noise sources are too loud projections in cinema halls, concerts, sports events, different outdoor events, street noise, and listening to music on iPod and MP3 gadgets in a too loud way.

The aim of this study was to investigate risk behaviors and attitudes among adolescents to noise exposure; to explore in which way adolescents recognize symptoms and signs of noise influence to their own psychophysical health.

Participants and methods: The study included 533 high school students aged 15-19 years. The data were collected using a questionnaire that contained a total of 32 questions/ attitudes/ thesis. SPSS statistical software was used for data processing.

Results: Students in higher grades (third and fourth) show a better understanding of noise types that can damage hearing and they agree with the statement that listening to loud music can damage hearing, whereas students of first and second grades disagree. Younger students usually hearing loss associated with elderly.

Conclusion: The study showed that the risky behavior of adolescents is in accordance with global trends. It can be and it has to be influenced by the integrated programs within primary and secondary education. By regular education of both children and parents when it comes to noise level in their living, working or entertainment environment, and when it comes to the ways in which they can decrease the noise level, hearing damages can be prevented, or at least postponed.

Keywords: adolescents, hearing loss, noise