Keynote Address Title: “Where, Oh Where, Have My Sensory Cells Gone? Where, Oh Where, Can They Be?”


Abstract: Field studies examined the volume levels of portable listening devices (PLDs) used by participants in two studies: (a) students on a relatively quiet college campus and (b) individuals passing through Union Square. The goal was to determine participants’ noise exposure vis a vis risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) as a function of demographic variables. Each participant’s PLD listening level was measured and typical listening duration and demographics were recorded. Average listening level was 94.1 dBA, with 99/160 (61.9%) and 92/159 (57.5%) exceeding estimated daily (LAeq, 8h) and weekly (LAwkn) recommended exposure limits, respectively. African American participants listened at the highest average levels (99.8 dBA; p=.029). The average listening level was also higher for younger listeners aged 18-24 years versus those > 24 years (95.5 dBA vs. 91.1 dBA; p=.018). Results point to the need for targeted behavioral interventions to reduce the risk for NIHL.