Estimated leisure-time noise exposure and hearing symptoms in a finnish urban adult population.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine a statistical measure for total weekly noise exposure from leisure-time noise activities in a Finnish urban adult population. The subjects´ time consumed in noisy activities, and their self-evaluated loudness of the activities converted into equivalent noise levels of the activities were used in the calculation of weekly noise exposure levels. Self-reported hearing symptoms (i.e., tinnitus, pain in the ear) and hearing loss due to noise exposure were also asked with the questionnaire. No measurements of sound level or hearing loss were made in this study. Forty-one per cent of subjects were estimated to be exposed to noise at levels over 75 dBA, and 9% of the subjects had weekly exposure that was over 85 dBA. The incidence of hearing symptoms seemed to correlate with increased noise dose and age. The noisiest leisure-time activities were going to night-clubs and pubs, using home tools, playing in a band or orchestra, shooting and attending or participating in motor sports.