ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine risky leisure noise exposure from listening to music via headphones and to identify potential determinants with special focus on portable listening devices (PLDs) among adolescents over a period of 7.5-years. DESIGN: Data were collected by questionnaires at four equidistant time points (O1-O4). Music exposure via headphones was calculated based on self-reported volume setting and listening duration. Exceeding 85 dB(A) equivalent for a 40-hour working week was defined as risky noise exposure. Determinants of risky headphone and PLD exposure were investigated using generalised estimating equations and accounting for missing data by multiple imputation. STUDY SAMPLE: Closed cohort of 2148 students attending 9th grade of any secondary school type in Regensburg (Germany), during 2009 to 2011. RESULTS: Risky noise exposure from headphone usage was almost twice as high in wave O1 and O2 (at age 15 or 18) compared with 20-23-year-olds in O3 and O4. Risky exposure to headphones and PLDs were associated with younger age, low and medium education, single-parent household and smoking, whereas good self-rated hearing showed a protective effect. Additionally, not being born in Germany was associated with risky PLD exposure. CONCLUSION: Before harmful behaviours become entrenched, starting preventive efforts at a young age is essential.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe total leisure noise (TLN) exposure and to investigate determinants of risky TLN exposure among adolescents and young adults over a ten-year observation period. DESIGN: OHRKAN is a longitudinal study with five equidistantly distributed questionnaires (waves) over ten years. Risky TLN exposure was defined as exceeding ≥85dB(A) averaged over 40h per week. To identify determinants of risky TLN exposure longitudinally, generalised estimating equations were applied. STUDY SAMPLE: A subgroup (n = 661; mean age 25.6 years in the fifth wave; 58.4% female) of the closed cohort study OHRKAN was analysed. Included participants took part in the fifth wave prior to the study break due to COVID-19. RESULTS: Analysis of participants' data from all five waves showed that risky TLN exposure was highest during the second wave (72.0%), when participants were aged 17-19 years, and thereafter steadily declined. Among young adults, attendance at discotheques and private parties, especially, caused very high exposure. Determinants of risky TLN exposure were wave time point, male gender, a higher level of education, and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: As TLN exposure is highest among older adolescents, prevention programs should target younger teenagers and be tailored to the identified risk groups. The risk from private parties should be addressed.
