Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: University of Pretoria Targets Youth in Innovative Campaign

Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: University of Pretoria Targets Youth in Innovative Campaign

Recreational noise, including music at parties, clubs, and concerts, is one of the primary causes of hearing loss among young people. Alarmingly, more than 1 billion young adults are exposed to the risk of permanent and preventable hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. The University of Pretoria Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, an official World Health Organization collaborating centre, Tuks FM and the Ear Institute conducted an awareness campaign targeting the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among the youth population. The awareness campaign focused on educating young individuals about NIHL, its causes, the importance of safe listening practices, and the use of hearing protection.