Protocol of a test of hearing health education programs for farm and rural youth

Abstract

Background: Farm and rural youth have frequent exposure to hazardousnoise on the farm and recreationally, and have an increased prevalenceof noise-induced hearing loss. There is a lack of programs to preparethis high-risk population to use hearing conservation strategies.Methods: The purpose of this project is to test innovative hearinghealth education programs delivered to a large target group and todetermine the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs inpromoting hearing health among farm and rural youth. Specifically, thisproject includes: a) an interactive face-to-face informational programalone, b) an interactive face-to-face informational program followed byan Internet-based booster, and c) a no-intervention control. Sites willinclude selected affiliates of a major farm youth safety educationorganization. Data will be collected at baseline, 3, and 12 months. Alinear mixed model will be used to compare the effectiveness of thethree interventions over time. Descriptive statistics will be used tocompare program costs and sustainability ratings.Discussion: Outcomes of this project will provide knowledge necessary toimplement quality and cost-effective services to farm and rural youth, ahigh-risk and underserved population, that can be implemented andsustained after the study is completed.