Current Research Projects

Background

In response to growing community concern that exposure to loud sound during everyday leisure activities (in particular, loud music exposure from personal stereo players, nightclubs, and rock concerts), may be compromising the hearing health of young Australians during to conduct a study from 2009 to 2011, referred to as: 'iHEAR - Investigation of Hearing Loss Epidemiology, Attitudes & Recreation'.

Procedure

Participants in the age range 11 – 35 years were recruited from NSW high schools and TAFE colleges, universities, businesses, government offices and other organisations. Just over 1400 participants took part.

Each participant received a comprehensive hearing assessment from a qualified audiologist, including a conventional test of hearing acuity (pure tone audiometry), tests of the middle ear system (impedance testing), and the inner ear (otoacoustic emissions). Participants, and parents of younger participants, were surveyed about their medical history, ear health, and leisure activity profile. Detailed questions were included about the use of personal stereo players, music through speakers, and attendances at clubs/dance venues. Participants were provided with an individual report of their results.

To read more about the testing procedure, click here >

Results

Preliminary findings, at July 2011, based on analysis of the data for approximately 1000 participants (cleaned data available at the time of reporting, but excluding any cases in which there were confounding aetiological factors) were as follows:

Most significantly:

• The prevalence of hearing loss in the target age group may be lower than reported in previous studies.

• No association between reported leisure-sound exposure and hearing loss, or inner ear function, have been identified in the preliminary analysis.

• Almost half of respondents have never used hearing protectors in any situation.

• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) is common in the target age group (reported by around 64% of participants), and is significantly associated with self-reported noise exposure.

• Based on self-report, most young adults probably have reasonable (safe) levels of exposure to recreational noise, however other NAL research indicates that a minority may be at risk of noise-related hearing damage related to leisure activities.

For more information click here to read the full report provided to the project sponsor, Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing (at July 2011). Or email the project team at: ihear@nal.gov.au

Analysis of the data is still in progress. Results will be widely disseminated through scientific publications, and at conferences and seminars in audiology and public health disciplines. The evidence-base generated by the iHEAR study will also be used to inform the development of hearing loss prevention educations programs, particularly those targeted towards young people.