New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision-Making Among Music Venue Attendees

Objective Investigate the prevalence of hearing protection (HP) use and behavioral motivations and barriers among adults attending music venues.Study Design Cross-sectional online survey study.Setting Noise exposure levels at popular social music venues often exceed national guidelines.Methods Surveys were distributed on online music communities. Respondents (n = 2352) were asked about demographics, HP use at music venues, knowledge about noise exposure impact, and perceptions of HP use. Data were characterized through descriptive statistics. Multivariable regression analysis explored differences in knowledge and perception between HP users and nonusers.Results In this cohort (mean age 29 +/- 7 years, 61% male), HP users were significantly more aware of the impact of music venues on hearing (P < .01), believed their hearing ability had decreased after attending music venues (P < 0.01), and believed HP could protect from hearing loss (P < .01) than non-HP users. HP nonusers most frequently cited never considering HP (14.45%) and apathy about it affecting music quality (12.71%). Common sources of HP information were recommended by a friend/peer. Multivariable regression analysis accounting for demographics, medical history, and attendance characteristics found belief that HP use at music venues could protect from hearing loss (beta = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49-0.78]) and HP use (beta = 1.73, 95% CI = [1.47-1.98]) were significantly associated with increased subjective enjoyment while wearing HP.Conclusion HP users and nonusers have significantly different perceptions of HP use and its impact. Our findings have implications for understanding motivations and barriers related to HP use and developing strategies to promote HP use at music venues.