Hearing Risks: Young People Are Highly Exposed but Poorly Protected

Concerts, nightclub outings, and student parties are all occasions young people enjoy for relaxation and entertainment. However, they are unaware that their hearing can be permanently damaged as a result of exposure to excessively loud sounds. It only takes a single exposure to high sound levels at a nightclub or concert to damage one’s hearing: 21% of 15- to 35-year-olds were exposed to this risk at least 10 times in the past year, according to the results of the 2014 Health Barometer by Santé publique France¹.

Thus, while young people are frequently exposed, too few of them adopt the right habits to protect their hearing:

• one-third of young people move away from the speakers whenever they are in a place with high sound levels, and 21% “never” do so;

• wearing earplugs, meanwhile, remains a relatively rare practice, as only 3% report wearing earplugs “every time” and 9.5% “sometimes.”

A fun and educational "how-to" video

Earplugs are considered difficult to put in, and if they are inserted incorrectly, they are useless. To help young people put their earplugs in properly and get better protection, Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Agi-son association, has produced an "instructional" video. Royalty-free, it can be shown on all types of screens by entertainment professionals, bars, prevention centers, websites, etc. Lasting 50 seconds and understandable without sound, this instructional video is designed to be accessible to everyone. Drawing on the visual and aesthetic elements of music videos, the guide captures viewers’ attention while educating them. The video concludes with a prevention message: “No matter what music you listen to, protect your hearing.”

Since any damage to the ear is irreversible: when used properly, earplugs are a good way to protect your ears!

To watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtQDC6z-8PU