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Hearing protection for clubbers is music to their ears

2010; Wiley; Volume: 21; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1071/he10215

2201-1617

Elizabeth Francis Beach, Warwick Williams, Megan Gilliver,

Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation

Health Promotion Journal of AustraliaVolume 21, Issue 3 p. 215-221 Hearing protection for clubbers is music to their ears Elizabeth Francis Beach, Elizabeth Francis BeachSearch for more papers by this authorWarwick Williams, Warwick WilliamsSearch for more papers by this authorMegan Gilliver, Megan GilliverSearch for more papers by this author Elizabeth Francis Beach, Elizabeth Francis BeachSearch for more papers by this authorWarwick Williams, Warwick WilliamsSearch for more papers by this authorMegan Gilliver, Megan GilliverSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 December 2010 https://doi.org/10.1071/HE10215AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Issue addressed While it is difficult to promote the use of hearing protectors in noisy workplaces and leisure settings, some nightclub attendees choose to wear earplugs when exposed to loud music. This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of clubbers about the advantages and disadvantages of earplug use in nightclubs. Such first-hand information could potentially be used to educate non-wearers about the features of different earplug types, the experience of wearing earplugs and their relative merits. Methods Structured telephone interviews were conducted with 20 regular clubbers who wear different types of earplugs at nightclubs. Participants were asked about their experience of wearing earplugs and, in particular, what they perceive to be the advantages and disadvantages of earplugs. Results Participants' responses revealed that cheaper foam earplugs are considered less satisfactory than more expensive earplugs, which are relatively discreet and comfortable, facilitate communication with others, create minimal music distortion and, in some cases, improve music sound quality. In terms of effectiveness, all types of earplugs were considered beneficial in reducing the after-effects of loud music and providing hearing protection. Conclusions The perceived advantages of earplugs, which are often not recognised by non-earplug wearers, should be communicated in order to encourage the use of earplugs among clubbers. So what Loud music poses a risk to the hearing health of those who frequent loud music venues. Providing clubbers with first-hand information about the advantages of wearing earplugs could lead to more widespread use of earplugs by those at risk. Volume21, Issue32010Pages 215-221 RelatedInformation