Hearing Protection Devices: Use at Work Predicts use at Play
Abstract
Use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) at work is widespread and well researched, but less is
known about HPD usage in high-noise leisure activities. This study investigated 8,144
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Australians‟ HPD usage in leisure settings. An online survey asked questions about HPD usage
at work and leisure, and examined whether age, gender, HPD usage at work, and tinnitus
predicted HPD usage in leisure activities. Leisure-based HPD usage was most common during
high-risk „work-related‟ activities. Use of HPDs at work was the most significant predictor of
leisure-based use, with workplace users up to 5 times more likely to use HPDs at leisure. Males
were significantly more likely than females to use HPDs in 10/20 leisure activities, and those
with tinnitus were more likely than those without to use HPDs in 8/20 activities. Older
participants were more likely to use HPDs at nightclubs and concerts, but younger participants
were more likely to use HPDs playing egames and musical instruments.