In order to reduce the risk of hearing loss for concertgoers, a new study recommends the use of earplugs, education, and the reduction of music sound levels.
Researchers at the University of Toronto studied concertgoers and their perception of risk of hearing damage. They distributed questionnaires to concertgoers at four concerts in Toronto and received a 75-percent response rate.
Although 74 percent of concertgoers thoughtd it was likely or very likely that noise levels at music concerts could damage hearing, 80 percent said they never used hearing protection. Forty percent of respondents were willing to use hearing protection if it was provided for free at concerts.
“This would be a significant improvement considering only 3 percent of respondents always wore ear protection at rock concerts,” say study researchers. Researchers note their suggestions allow concert attendees to have a great time while still being safe.
Authors of the study conclude, “Hearing protection is currently not worn by most attendees of rock concerts who are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs and tactful noise-induced hearing loss education should be provided at the door, coupled with strategies to reduce music levels to safer listening levels.”
From Canadian Journal of Public Health