PEDIATRICS Vol. 123 No. 5 May 2009, pp. 1257-1262 (doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2291)
ARTICLE |
Strategies for the Prevention of MP3-Induced Hearing Loss Among Adolescents: Expert Opinions From a Delphi Study
a Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
b EMGO Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
c Department of Prevention and Healthcare, TNO Quality of Life, Leiden, Netherlands
OBJECTIVE. To identify parties involved in the prevention of MP3-induced hearing loss among adolescents and potentially effective prevention strategies and interventions.
METHODS. Thirty experts in fields such as scientific research, medical practice, community health professions, education, youth work, music entertainment, and enforcement authorities participated in a qualitative, electronic, 3-round, Web-based Delphi study.
RESULTS. Multiple parties involved in the prevention of MP3-induced hearing loss among adolescents were identified; the most relevant are the adolescents themselves, their parents, manufacturers of MP3 players and earphones, and the authorities. The experts did not expect that adolescents in general would perform the necessary protective behaviors to prevent MP3-induced hearing loss. Two environmental health protection measures were identified as both relevant and feasible to be implemented (ie, authorities encourage manufacturers to produce safer products, and public health campaigns will be held to improve knowledge of the risks of high-volume music, possible protective measures, and consequences of hearing loss).
CONCLUSIONS. Authorities, the music industry in general, and especially manufacturers of MP3 players and earphones should recognize their responsibility and create a safer MP3-listening environment by taking measures to protect today's youth from the dangers of listening to high-volume music on MP3 players.
Key Words: adolescents Delphi study portable music players MP3 players music-induced hearing loss prevention and control
Abbreviations: IQD—interquartile deviation
Accepted Sep 11, 2008.
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