Citation

Grings-Pillin B, Herr CE, Reiter C, Hendrowarsito L, Schmid R, Gerstner D, Brenner B, Kolb S. Gesundheitswesen 2016; 79(4): e39-e49.

Vernacular Title

Freizeitlärmbelastung durch tragbare Musikabspielgeräte bei Schülern und Präventionsmöglichkeiten.

Affiliation

Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Occupational and environmental medicine/epidemiology, Munich.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-0042-103966

PMID

27097312

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Exposure to recreational noise is becoming increasingly important due to a change in leisure behavior amongst children and adolescents. The aim of this pilot study was to assess exposure of 6(th) grade pupils to recreational noise from portable listening devices (PLD). Furthermore, preventive measures to reduce recreational noise exposure should be identified.

METHODS: In "Ohrkan Kids", 38 Bavarian pupils aged 11 to 14 were interviewed regarding their music listening behavior using a standardized questionnaire. In addition, measurements of commonly used volume settings on the children's portable listening devices were carried out. Furthermore, the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), health insurance companies as well as health and education ministries of the German federal states were surveyed regarding their activities in the prevention of recreational noise exposure.

RESULTS: Based on the questionnaire data for weekly usage, 10 out of 31 children (32.3%) exceeded the upper exposure value of 85 dB recommended by labor protection law. Taking actually measured values, 9 out of 31 children (29%) exceeded this level. The DGUV and some federal states carry out specific projects for the prevention of recreational noise exposure.

CONCLUSION: The large number of children with hazardous music consumption indicates that measures for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss are already required for 11 to 14 year olds. To maximize the number of children addressed, age-appropriate and target-group-specific preventive measures are needed. As there are only few studies which examined the effectiveness of awareness campaigns for the prevention of recreational noise, any future prevention projects should be evaluated with an increased focus on estimating their effectiveness.

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Language: de