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BOSTON, Apr 04, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A Harvard study suggests many adolescents and young adults do not consider hearing loss a major problem and are not aware of dangers.
The Web-based survey -- designed by researchers from Harvard Medical School, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary -- was posted on MTV.com for three days.
Hearing loss was ranked a big problem by only 8 percent of respondents, compared with other health issues. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they had experienced ringing in their ears or hearing impairment after attending concerts, and 43 percent experienced those symptoms after visiting clubs.
Only 14 percent of respondents said they had used protective earplugs. However, 66 percent said they would try ear protection if they were made aware of the potential for permanent hearing loss and 59 percent said they would try ear plugs if advised by a medical professional.
The results were published in the April Issue of medical journal Pediatrics.
Copyright 2005 by United Press International.
