Why patrons don’t use hearing protection: A qualitative study in a live music district
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This poster explored why people in loud live music settings often do not use hearing protection despite risks of noise-induced hearing loss. We interviewed 72 adult patrons (median age 28 years) in a high-noise entertainment district and identified common barriers and motivators influencing behavior. The most frequent themes for personal non-use were apathy or dismissiveness (27.8%) and gaps in perceived risk and knowledge (23.6%), while perceptions of others’ behavior were driven by similar knowledge gaps (43.1%) and comfort or design barriers (33.3%). Key motivators for using hearing protection included education (27.8%), prior hearing loss (12.5%), and free distribution of earplugs (11.1%). These findings highlight actionable opportunities for education, improved device design, and venue-based interventions to promote hearing protection and prevent long-term hearing damage.
Recommended citation: Naranjo C, Kong J, Habib DRS, Haynes DS, Moberly AC. Why patrons don’t use hearing protection: A qualitative study in a live music district. Poster presented at: American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting; October 17, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA.