Survey of Teen Noise Exposure and Efforts to Protect Hearing at School — United States, 2020

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? Noise-induced hearing loss is a substantial, often unrecognized, health problem. Various learning environments and activities in school settings are loud. What is added by this report? Approximately three in four teenage students report being exposed to loud sound at school, and nearly one half (46.5%) report exposure on a regular basis. However, most report that their school did not provide hearing protection equipment or teach preventive techniques to reduce their risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss. What are the implications for public health practice? Health care providers and educators have resources available to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among school-aged children. Increasing youths' awareness about adverse health effects of excessive noise exposure and simple preventive measures to reduce risk can help prevent or reduce noise-induced hearing loss.