A questionnaire approach in assessing noise exposure

Abstract

Objective Occupational noise exposure is well studied among literature however, limited research is present in characterizing recreational noise exposure. The purpose of the current study is to determine if questionnaires are clinically feasible in characterizing recreational noise exposure and aide in identifying individuals at risk for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL.) Methods A total of 100 participants (50 males, 50 females) were included in the study. Each participant completed an online survey which incorporated demographic information, self-report of loud noise exposure, and three questionnaires from literature which focus on recreational noise exposure (Beach et al., 2013a; Johnson et al., 2017; Neitzel et al., 2004). Annual exposure levels were calculated based on each authors’ approach and compared to guidelines to determine what individuals were at risk for NIHL. Descriptive statistics (Participation rates, means, standard deviations, etc.) and inferential statistics (Pearson product-moment correlation) were used to best analyze the data. Results Participation rate patterns were similar between all corresponding studies. Highest participation rates were seen in categories of music and loud recreation (concerts/entertainment). Overall, annual exposure levels were found to be greater for males than females. Shooters also had higher exposure levels when compared to non-shooters. The current study identified a lower percentage of individuals to be at risk for NIHL when compared to the corresponding studies. The NEQ (Johnson et al., 2017) identified more participants to be at risk for NIHL than the other two questionnaires. Inferential analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between annual noise exposure levels for all three questionnaires. Overall, majority of participants self-reported having been exposed to loud noise. Conclusions Each of the three questionnaires successfully identified at least six participants to be at risk for NIHL. The NEQ identified more individuals at risk when compared to the other questionnaires. Findings from the current study revealed the risks associated with recreational noise exposure. Further research is needed in the area of implementing clinically feasible tools to best characterize recreational noise exposure and identify individuals at risk.