A systematic review on noise-induced hearing loss prevention and conservation programs in children and adolescents

Abstract

Children suffering from noise-induced hearing loss could have disease burden such as communication difficulties, frustration, isolation as well as impaired self-cognition due to different degrees of hearing loss. Lack of hearing protection was the easiest way to tackle among the risk factors. Hence, the aim of this review is to review and synthesize existing evidence to show the effects of hearing conservation programs targeted on children and adolescents. Six studies included meeting strict requirements of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Significant improvements were shown in knowledge, attitude, intended behavior as well as hearing protective devices use regarding educational programs. However, limited effective consequence was shown in terms of audiometric threshold testing, thus, indicating limited effectiveness of educational programs in noise-induced hearing loss prevention. The results of hearing conservation programs were illustrated in details. And limitations as well as implications were discussed.