ASHA Noisy Environments Poll

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Noisy Environments Poll Summary Spring 2017

Contents

•

Background and Objectives

2

•

Methodology

3

•

Executive Summary

4

•

Attitudes Towards Hearing

8

•

Current Leisure Activities and Attitudes Towards Noisy Environments

14

•

Past Behaviors

27

•

The Future

33

•

Appendix: Respondent Characteristics

37

1

Background and Objectives •

ASHA has conducted this poll to support its efforts around Better Hearing and Speech Month.

•

The poll centers on the noisy environments that Americans experience when making out-of-home entertainment choices and how these environments may contribute to hearing loss. It builds on a recent study released by the CDC.

•

The goal of the project is to understand how US adults feel about noisy environments and how they affect their out-of-home entertainment decisions.

•

This information will help ASHA develop story lines to highlight during Better Hearing and Speech Month and to draw attention to these issues.

2

Methodology

•

Design and analysis were developed and prepared by Crux Research Inc. in consultation with ASHA.

•

This wave was conducted online from March 6 – 9, 2017.

•

The study included US adults, aged 18 or older. Quotas were set by age group, gender, race/ethnicity, and region to ensure that the resulting sample parallels US Census demographic targets.

•

1,007 respondents completed the questionnaire.

•

All surveys and polls are subject to many sources of error. The term “margin of error” is misleading for online polls, which are not based on a probability sample which is a requirement for margin of error calculations. If this study did use probability sampling, the margin of error would be +/-3%.

•

The median length of individual interviews was 8 minutes.

3

Executive Summary

4

Executive Summary Key Findings

•

Hearing health is seen as an important contributor to the quality of life of Americans. This is true across the entire age range of respondents.

•

Many respondents wish their hearing was better and a majority feel that their hearing isn’t as good as it could be. While concerns about hearing health are most apparent among older Americans (ages 60+), even younger respondents have concerns.

•

This may be because about 30% know a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss.

•

US adults take part in a wide variety of out-of-home activities. Younger adults take part in many more activities with the exception of one, dining out in restaurants, which older adults take part in most frequently.

•

Respondents of all ages feel that society has become noisier. And, very few respondents prefer noisy out-of-home activities.

•

Older adults are more likely to prefer quiet leisure activities. This preference seems to take hold for a majority of adults starting at about age 40.

5

Executive Summary Key Findings (Continued)

•

A preference for quiet leisure activities is more pronounced among those who have hearing difficulty or who feel that their hearing isn’t as good as it used to be.

•

Noisy environments are seen as often being more energetic, and for some adults, are preferred because they reduce social pressure to interact or talk with others. On the other hand, noisy environments are seen as disadvantageous because they make it difficult to engage in conversation.

•

Even younger adults are unlikely to agree that “noisy environments are more fun.”

•

There are many adults who are concerned that noise reduces their enjoyment of activities, has harmed their hearing in the past, and might harm their hearing in the future. These concerns are age-independent – younger adults have them just as much as older respondents.

6

Executive Summary Key Findings (Continued)

•

It seems to be one’s view of his/her own hearing health that matters more than age to these concerns. If a respondent feels he/she has hearing difficulty or his/her hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, he/she is more likely to express concerns over noise in leisure venues.

•

All this said, respondents report taking some steps to limit the amount of noise they are exposed to. Some will not go back to a place if it is too noisy or won't consider an activity in the first place because of noise.

•

US adults do feel that venues should make some changes, such as turning volumes down, making design changes to help lower noise, etc. They are strongly in support of increased consumer and venue owner education about the health impact of noisy environments.

7

Attitudes Towards Hearing

8

Respondents of all ages feel hearing health is important to their quality of life As you age, how important is maintaining your hearing health to the quality of your life?

100%

89%

Not very important, Not important at all, 1% 3% Somewhat important, 15%

81%

84%

86%

81%

74% 75%

Extremely important, 39% 50%

% Extremely/Very Important 25%

Very important, 42%

81% Extremely/ Very Important

0%

18-29

Q500 All respondents (n=1,007)

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

9

Many respondents feel their hearing isn’t as good as it could be or that they have hearing difficulties

Which best describes your own hearing health?

My hearing is My hearing is much better, 3% much worse, My hearing is 5% a little better, 4%

I have hearing difficulty and I have hearing have been difficulty but treated, 4% haven't been treated, 12% My hearing is excellent, 42%

My hearing isn't as good as it could be, but I don't think I need to be treated, 41%

Q510/Q520 All respondents (n=1,007)

How would you describe your hearing compared to 5 years ago?

My hearing is a little worse, 32%

My hearing is the same, 56%

10

As respondents age, they are more likely to say their hearing has gotten worse and less likely to say their hearing is excellent Which best describes your own hearing health? / How would you describe your hearing compared to 5 years ago? 100%

% who say their hearing is "Excellent"

% who say their hearing has gotten a little or a lot worse in the past 5 years

75%

54% 50% 50%

39%

37% 25%

27%

48%

47%

28%

29%

60-69

70+

42%

39%

29%

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

11

About 3 in 10 respondents know someone with noise-induced hearing loss 8% have been diagnosed themselves

Do you know a family member or friend who has been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss?

Have you been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss?

Yes, 8% Yes, 30%

No, 70% No, 92%


12

Many respondents of all ages know someone who has been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss

% Yes 100%

% who have a family member of friend who has been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss

% who have been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss

75%

50%

35% 29%

29%

32%

29%

27%

25%

10% 4%

6%

8%

40-49

50-59

11%

11%

60-69

70+

0%

18-29


30-39

13

Current Leisure Activities and Attitudes Towards Noisy Environments

14

Most respondents have gone to a restaurant or movie theater in the past year

Please indicate which of these activities you have done in the past year. Gone to a restaurant

90%

Gone to a movie at a movie theater

67%

Gone to a public park

62%

Gone to a coffee shop

57%

Gone to a beach/waterfront

46%

Seen a live fireworks display

46%

Gone to a bar or club

42%

Attended a street fair or festival

40%

Attended a holiday party/concert

38%

Visited a city center

33%

Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation center

32%

Attended a live concert

32%

Attended a sporting event at a large sports stadium

29%

Gone to a gun range None of these


11% 3%

15

Participation in most out-of-home activities decreases as respondents age Going to restaurants is an exception

Please indicate which of these activities you have done in the past year.


18-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

Gone to a restaurant

83%

89%

93%

89%

92%

94%


74%

79%

73%

65%

55%

49%


67%

73%

68%

60%

56%

42%


62%

66%

59%

56%

49%

43%


47%

50%

55%

43%

41%

35%


41%

50%

53%

49%

37%

41%


44%

54%

47%

46%

33%

18%


41%

48%

41%

40%

36%

30%


42%

46%

40%

37%

30%

28%


32%

39%

38%

31%

30%

22%


43%

50%

37%

26%

16%

8%


41%

37%

31%

30%

22%

25%


34%

35%

30%

28%

22%

22%

Gone to a gun range

14%

13%

12%

12%

8%

5%

16

Two-thirds of respondents feel society has become noisier Most prefer quiet activities

Do you tend to prefer out-of-home leisure activities that are …?

Over the past few years, do you feel that society has become …?

Much noisier, 19%

Much less noisy, 4% Less noisy, 4% Has stayed about the same, 27%

66% “Noisier/ Much Noisier”

Noisier, 47%


45% “Quiet/ Very Quiet”

Very quiet, Very noisy, 3% 4% Noisy, 9%

Quiet, 41% I don’t have a preference for noisy or quiet activities, 42%

17

A preference for quiet leisure activities increases with age

Over the past few years, do you feel that society has become …?/ Do you tend to prefer out-of-home leisure activities that are …? 100%

75%

73% 75%

67% 63%

61%

58%

63%

66%

50%

50% 41%

% who feel that society has become noisier

37% 25%

% who prefer quiet environments for leisure activities

28%

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

18

Those with hearing difficulties are most likely to prefer quiet environments

% who prefer quiet environments for leisure activities 100%

75%

57% 48% 50%

37%

25%

0%

My hearing is excellent


My hearing isn’t as good as it used to be

I have hearing difficulty

19

While noisy environments can feel more energetic, they are also seen as making it difficult to engage in conversation

Which of the following would you say can be advantageous to having noisy environments for leisure activities?

Noisy environments feel more energetic

48%

Noisy environments reduce social pressure to interact or talk with others

Noisy environments are more fun

None of these


38%

21%

23%

Which of the following would you say can be disadvantageous to having noisy environments for leisure activities?

Noisy environments make it difficult for me to engage in conversation

69%

Noisy environments can cause me to worry about the impact on my hearing

30%

Noisy environments cause me pain or discomfort in my ears (e.g. ringing in the ears)

None of these

27%

14%

20

Older individuals are less likely to feel that noisy environments are energetic or fun

Which of the following would you say can be advantageous to having noisy environments for leisure activities? 100%

Noisy environments feel more energetic Noisy environments reduce social pressure to interact or talk with others

75%

Noisy environments are more fun 58%

55% 50%

50%

43%

41%

47%

39%

38% 34%

25%

33%

35%

32%

26% 22%

22%

22%

10%

9%

60-69

70+

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

21

Older individuals are more likely to feel like noisy environments make conversation difficult

Which of the following would you say can be disadvantageous to having noisy environments for leisure activities? Noisy environments make it difficult for me to engage in conversation 100%

Noisy environments can cause me to worry about the impact on my hearing 86%

Noisy environments cause me pain or discomfort in my ears (e.g. ringing in the ears) 78% 69%

75%

68%

64% 58%

50%

36%

34% 28% 25%

29%

25%

34%

30%

29%

29%

26%

23% 19%

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

22

Designing stadiums and restaurants to be noisy is seen as a good idea by younger respondents and as a bad idea by older respondents Some venues, for example sports stadiums and restaurants, are being designed to be noisy, because it is thought this will benefit home teams and/or make the venue more exciting and fun. Do you feel this is …? 100%

A very bad idea , 6%

A very good idea, 14% 75%

% a very good/good idea

71%

A bad idea, 21%

% a bad/very bad idea

62%

50%

42%

44% 40%

38%

30%

32%

A good idea, 34% 25%

29%

I have no opinion, 26%

23% 18% 12% 0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

23

Many feel that noise reduces their enjoyment of activities, may have harmed their hearing in the past, and might harm it in the future How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? In the past few years, loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of out-of-home leisure activities.

Strongly disagree, Strongly agree, 8% 7%

I am concerned that my PAST exposure to loud leisure settings may have harmed my hearing.

Strongly disagree, 10%

I am concerned that FUTURE exposure to loud leisure settings may harm my hearing.

Strongly disagree, 6%

Strongly agree, 9%

Strongly agree, 11%

Disagree, 17%

Disagree, 21%

Agree, 28%

Neither agree or disagree, 36%

Q260/Q270/Q280 All respondents (n=1,007)

Disagree, 24%

Agree, 32%



Agree, 40%

24

Concerns over how loud noise may affect leisure enjoyment and hearing are similar across all ages

% Who Strongly Agree/Agree 100%

I the past few years, loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of out-of-home leisure activities I am concerned that my PAST exposure to loud leisure settings may have harmed my hearing

75%

I am concerned that FUTURE exposure to loud leisure settings may harm my hearing. 56% 49%

48%

50%

39%

40%

42%

50%

25%

47% 48%

38% 33%

57%

47%

45% 33%

35% 31%

31%

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

25

People with hearing difficulties are more concerned about exposure to loud leisure settings How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? % Strongly Agree / Agree

39% I am concerned that FUTURE exposure to loud leisure settings may harm my hearing.

58% 63% 22%

I am concerned that my PAST exposure to loud leisure settings may have harmed my hearing.


52% 62%

My hearing isn’t as good as it used to be

29% In the past few years, loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of out-of-home leisure activities

I have hearing difficulty 38% 44%


26

Past Behaviors

27

Many respondents have taken actions to limit the amount of noise they are exposed to in out-of-home activities

Please indicate which of the following you have done or has happened to you in recent years. I have moved away from a noise source (e.g. speakers)

29%

Loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of a leisure activity

28%

I have decided not to go back to a place because it was too noisy

27%

I have chosen to go to a leisure activity at an off-peak time so it may be quieter

27%

I have brought earplugs or hearing protection

20%

I have left a leisure activity because it was too noisy

20%

I don’t even consider doing certain leisure activities because they will be too noisy

I have changed my plans for leisure activities because I want to avoid noisy environments

14%

I have asked a manager or staff member to turn the noise down I have researched the noise level of a venue ahead of time and chosen where to go based on anticipated noise levels None of these


% of respondents who have done: At least one of these things: 72% At least two of these things: 47% At least three of these things: 34% At least four of these things: 20%

18%

11% 5% 28%

28

Older individuals are more likely to not go back to a place due to uncomfortable noise levels

Please indicate which of the following you have done or has happened to you in recent years. 75%

I have decided not to go back to a place because it was too noisy I don't even consider doing certain leisure activities because they will be too noisy

I have brought earplugs or hearing protection 50%

36% 28% 25%

21%

27%

35%

25%

22% 23%

21%

20% 17%

17%

18%

25% 16%

14%

14%

13%

60-69

70+

0%

18-29


30-39

40-49

50-59

29

Those with hearing difficulty are more likely to feel that loud noise has reduced their enjoyment of a leisure activity

Please indicate which of the following you have done or has happened to you in recent years.

Loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of a leisure activity 50%

I have moved away from a noise source (e.g. speakers)

I have chosen to go to a leisure activity at an off-peak time so it may be quieter 25%

I don't even consider doing certain leisure activities because they will be too noisy I have left a leisure activity because it was too noisy 0%



My hearing isn't as good as it could be, but I don't think I need to be treated

I have hearing difficulty

I have changed my plans for leisure activities because I want to avoid noisy environments

30

Some respondents avoid activities because of potential noise concerns Indicate if the potential noise level at these activities has affected whether you take part in them or your enjoyment of them. I haven’t done this because of the noise level

I have done this and the noise level has bothered me

I have done this but the noise level did not bother me

I haven’t done this, but it wasn’t at all because of the noise level

Gone to a gun range

11%


9%


9%


9%

10%

58%

24%

40%

26%

7%

14%


7%

14%


7%

10%

Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation… 6%

11%


6%

8%


5%

6%


5%

7%


4%


4%


4%

27%

36%

18%



21%

30%

42%

31%

52%

27% 61%

17%

58%

26%

53%

30%

52%

35%

63%

25%

73% 17%

10%

15% 63%

15%

63% 21%

23% 70%

6%

31

Noise levels may prevent activities and restrict enjoyment for a substantial number of people Indicate if the potential noise level at these activities has affected whether you take part in them or your enjoyment of them. I have done this and the noise level has bothered me / I haven't done this because of the noise level 18-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+


24%

29%

25%

25%

24%

16%


22%

15%

10%

14%

9%

11%


28%

22%

19%

21%

16%

18%


20%

15%

9%

8%

9%

5%


19%

14%

7%

9%

9%

6%


20%

14%

14%

12%

10%

7%


22%

16%

20%

18%

14%

11%


25%

23%

13%

12%

15%

10%


28%

23%

19%

19%

21%

16%


27%

14%

20%

21%

26%

20%


30%

24%

29%

26%

23%

23%


38%

38%

37%

32%

37%

22%


38%

27%

38%

31%

33%

25%

Gone to a gun range

33%

19%

19%

16%

18%

14%


32

The Future

33

Many respondents want venues to turn the noise down Many also think venues should make design changes to help control noise Which of the following should noisy out-of-home leisure activity venues do to keep noise at a comfortable level for you?

Turn volume of music/loudspeakers down

45%

Make design changes to help lower overall noise level (e.g., carpeting, drapery, closed kitchens, or take other actions that mute sound)

39%

Provide earplugs/hearing protection

Display noise level monitors with clear safe/unsafe indicators

They don’t need to do anything


29%

22%

22%

34

Respondents are in favor of increased education of consumers and venue owners Below are some potential things that could be done to help reduce the noise level at outof-home leisure venues. Please indicate how much you would support or oppose each.

I would strongly support

Educating consumers about the health impact of noisy environments

20%

Educating venue owners about the health impact of noisy environments

19%

Requiring noisy venues to have earplugs available

I would support

Not sure/no opinion

I would oppose

50%

21%

48%

16%

I would strongly oppose

5% 3%

25%

43%

29%

6% 3%

8%

4%

Requiring "hearing protection zones" within the noisy venues

15%

40%

32%

9%

5%

Requiring venues to have noise level monitors with clear safe/unsafe indicators

14%

40%

31%

10%

4%

Having stricter regulations and noise ordinances for venues

13%


37%

31%

13%

5%

35

Those that feel their hearing isn’t as good as it used to be are most likely to support new actions for noisy environments

Below are some potential things that could be done to help reduce the noise level at outof-home leisure venues. Please indicate how much you would support or oppose each. % Strongly Support / Support 63% Educating consumers about the health impact of noisy environments

80% 66% 60%

Educating venue owners about the health impact of noisy environments

75% 62% 53%

Requiring noisy venues to have earplugs available

66%


55% 49% Requiring "hearing protection zones" within the noisy venues

62% 54%

Requiring venues to have noise level monitors with clear safe/unsafe indicators

47%

My hearing isn’t as good as it used to be I have hearing difficulty

65% 50% 46%

Having stricter regulations and noise ordinances for venues


55% 51%

36

Appendix: Respondent Characteristics

37

Respondents spanned a variety of age groups and both genders

Gender and Age of Respondents

Are you …?

How old are you?

13% Male, 49%

12% 9%

8%

8%

9%

10%

10% 8% 7% 6%

Female, 51%

18-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69


70+

38

Respondents were representative of US targets for race/ethnicity and US Census regions Race/Ethnicity and Region of Respondents With which of the following racial groups do you most closely identify?

US Census Region

Hispanic, 16%

23% 17%

16%

13% 9%

Black/African American, 13%

6%

5% White/Other, 71%

New England

MidAtlantic

E. North Central

W. North Central

8%

5% South Atlantic

E. South Central

W. South Mountain Central

Pacific

New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) Mid-Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania) East North Central (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) West North Central (Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota) South Atlantic (Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia) East South Central (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee) West South Central (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) Mountain (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming) Pacific (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington)


39

Respondents came from a range of financial situations and cities/towns/rural areas Financial Situation and Residential Area of Respondents How would you describe your family’s overall financial situation, would you say you…? Don't meet basic expenses, 4% Just meet basic expenses with nothing left over, 24%

Live comfortably, 32%

Meet needs with a little left over, 40%


Do you live…?

In a small town or rural area, 27%

Not sure, 1% In an urban or city area, 30%

In a suburban area next to a city, 41%

40

Respondents had a variety of educational backgrounds

Which best describes the highest level of education you have completed or the highest degree you have received?

24%

24%

22%

14%

14%

3% High school or less


Completed some college, but no degree

Two-year college degree (e.g. associate's degree)

Four-year college Completed some degree (e.g., B.A., graduate school, but B.S.) no degree

Graduate degree (e.g., M.S., M.D., Ph.D.)

41