Noise-induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Clinical Trial
Official title:
Pilot Study of an Intervention Among Young People to Prevent Noise-induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
In 1986 The Medical Research Council estimated that 4 million UK adolescents were at risk of
hearing damage from over-exposure to loud music from personal audio players (PAPs), gigs,
clubs, pubs and festivals. Since that time social noise exposure is estimated to have
tripled to 19% of young people. The European Commission commissioned a report that estimated
5-10% of personal audio player users are risking permanent hearing loss and tinnitus by
listening to music at high volumes for more than 1 hour a day for 5 years or more. Up to 246
million PAPs were sold in Europe in 2008, and 200 million mobile phones, many of which now
have built-in audio players. Nevertheless, a recent survey showed that only 8% of young
people identify hearing loss as a health problem. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf
(RNID) undertook two surveys of young people in the UK to analyse listening behaviours as
part of their "Don't Lose the Music" campaign. As a consequence they offer listening advice
given by flyers at events and online at the dedicated website. There have been no studies to
confirm if such advice is effective in reducing noise exposure.
Aim: This study will pilot a methodology for a randomised controlled trial to test the
effectiveness of a publically-available online video in changing the listening habits of
young music lovers i.e. reduce the volume and number of hours of exposure.
Hypothesis: A video and adapted sound track demonstrating the experience of noise-induced
hearing loss and tinnitus accessed online will change the listening habits of 18-25
year-olds.
Participants aged 18-25 years will be recruited by approaching staff at the LSHTM for
recommendations of offspring or friends. Staff will be given information about the study and
asked to provide an email address if the recruits are willing.
After obtaining informed consent online, participants will be randomized to active
intervention i.e. an audio video demonstrating
- Normal hearing
- Temporary hearing damage after one night at a loud club
- Noise-induced hearing loss after repeated exposure (e.g. repeated clubbing for several
months)
- Tinnitus related to noise exposure
Controls will watch the same video with an unaltered soundtrack.
Baseline data on listening habits and volumes will be collected prior to the intervention
and again at 2 and 4 weeks. All data will be collected using an online system (survey
monkey). At no point will researchers meet participants who will also not be known to each
other.
Compliance will be assessed as participants will have to give a comment at the end of
listening to the intervention.
Primary outcome: reduction is the proportion of time young people spend listening to music
at a dangerous level i.e. equivalent to >80dB for 8 hours per day for 5 days a week
;
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Prevention