The Journal of Pediatrics
Volume 155, Issue 4 , Pages 550-555.e5, October 2009

Intentional Exposure to Loud Music: The Second MTV.com Survey Reveals an Opportunity to Educate

  • Maria de Lourdes Quintanilla-Dieck, MD

      Affiliations

    • Pediatric Otolaryngology Service, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
    • ,
  • Maria Alexandra Artunduaga, MD

      Affiliations

    • Pediatric Otolaryngology Service, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
    • ,
  • Roland D. Eavey, MD, SM

      Affiliations

    • Pediatric Otolaryngology Service, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
    • Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communcation Sciences, Departments of Otolaryngology and Hearing & Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Roland D. Eavey, MD, SM, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Communications Center, Medical Center East, South Tower, 6th floor, 1215 21st Ave South, Nashville, TN 37232.

Received 17 October 2008; received in revised form 20 February 2009; accepted 24 April 2009. published online 13 July 2009.

Objectives

Music-induced hearing loss (MIHL), an unconsciously self-inflicted public health concern, could evolve into an epidemic because of the appeal of loud music. After media attention about a previous hearing-loss survey with Music Television (MTV.com), we hypothesized that a repeat survey could compare awareness and behavior trends.

Study design

We incorporated the 2002 survey into the new 73-question instrument presented to random visitors on the MTV.com website in 2007. A P < .05 value was used for independent t and z- tests.

Results

A total of 2500 completed surveys were analyzed. Hearing loss was considered a problem by 32% of respondents compared with other health issues such as drug/alcohol use (62%). However, nearly half of the respondents admitted experiencing symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss after loud music exposure. Health care providers were the least likely source of MIHL awareness despite the respondents favoring provider education for hearing protection behavior modification.

Conclusion

Most respondents still could not recall learning about prevention of potential hearing loss, although the media has become the most informative source. Most respondents indicated that they would adopt protective ear behavior if made aware of hearing loss risk, especially if informed by health care professionals, revealing an educational opportunity.

ANL, Acceptable noise level, MIHL, Music-induced hearing loss, MTV, Music Television

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 30.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

PII: S0022-3476(09)00449-1

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.04.053

The Journal of Pediatrics
Volume 155, Issue 4 , Pages 550-555.e5, October 2009

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution