DEVELOPMENT OF A SCREENING TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK FOR NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS

Abstract

This study surveyed common noise activities of young adults, quantified their annual equivalent noise exposures, and examined the efficacy of a self-assessment screening tool for identifying risk of noise-induced hearing loss. One hundred fourteen college freshmen self-reported any exposure to loud noise and occurrence of ear symptoms over the previous year. Annual equivalent exposures for the group ranged from 64 to 88 LAeq8760h, with an overall group mean of 75 LAeq8760h (mean of 78 LAeq8760h for men and 73 LAeq8760h for women). Thirty-one percent of subjects reported exposure to gunfire (43% of men and 22% of women). Regression analyses revealed three screening questions to be statistically significant predictors of high risk noise exposures. Evaluation of ROC curves indicated that a self-assessment screening tool based on these three screening items yields moderate to high discriminatory power for detecting risk. Identification of a quick, simple and reliable high risk screening instrument will help audiologists better target intervention strategies such as hearing conservation training programs and provision of hearing protection devices for young people.