Risky Behavior and Exposure to Noise Among Adolescents

Aim: Adolescents are under greater risk of noise influence which affects their psychophysical health.The most common noise sources are too loud cinema halls, concerts, sports events, different outdoor events, street noise, and listening to music that is too loud on iPod and MP3 gadgets.The aim of this study was to investigate risk behaviors and attitudes among adolescents toward noise exposure; to explore how adolescents recognize symptoms and signs of noise influence to their own psychophysical health. Methods: The study included 533 high school students aged 15-19 years.The data were collected using a questionnaire that contained a total of 32 questions/ attitudes/ statements. SPSS statistical software was used for data processing. Results: Students in higher grades (third and fourth) show a better understanding of noise types that can damage hearing and they agree with the statement that listening to loud music can damage hearing, whereas students of first and second grades disagree.Younger students usually associate hearing loss withaging. Conclusion: The study showed that such risky behavior of adolescents is in accordance with global trends.It can be and it has to be influenced by integrated programs within primary and secondary education. By continuous education of both children and parents when it comes to noise level in their living, working or entertainment environment, and when it comes to the ways in which they can decrease the noise level, damage to hearing can be prevented, or at least postponed