New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision-Making Among Music Venue Attendees

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues. Study Design: Cross-sectional online survey study. Setting: Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines. Methods: Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers. Results: In this cohort (mean age 29 ± 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P