Strategies for the prevention of MP3-induced hearing loss among adolescents: expert opinions from a Delphi study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify parties involved in the prevention of MP3-induced hearing loss among adolescents and potentially effective prevention strategies and interventions.


METHODS
Thirty experts in fields such as scientific research, medical practice, community health professions, education, youth work, music entertainment, and enforcement authorities participated in a qualitative, electronic, 3-round, Web-based Delphi study.


RESULTS
Multiple parties involved in the prevention of MP3-induced hearing loss among adolescents were identified; the most relevant are the adolescents themselves, their parents, manufacturers of MP3 players and earphones, and the authorities. The experts did not expect that adolescents in general would perform the necessary protective behaviors to prevent MP3-induced hearing loss. Two environmental health protection measures were identified as both relevant and feasible to be implemented (ie, authorities encourage manufacturers to produce safer products, and public health campaigns will be held to improve knowledge of the risks of high-volume music, possible protective measures, and consequences of hearing loss).


CONCLUSIONS
Authorities, the music industry in general, and especially manufacturers of MP3 players and earphones should recognize their responsibility and create a safer MP3-listening environment by taking measures to protect today's youth from the dangers of listening to high-volume music on MP3 players.
Vogel
Ineke
I
Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Public Health, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, Netherlands. i.vogel@erasmusmc.nl
Brug
Johannes
J
van der Ploeg
Catharina P B
CP
Raat
Hein
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D003697:Delphi Technique; D005260:Female; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008144:Loudness Perception; D008297:Male; D009146:Music; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000293:injuries*; D011634:Public Health