Most young adults responding to an MTV website survey about general health issues did not consider hearing loss "a very big problem." This was true even though 61% experienced hearing loss or ringing in the ears attending concerts and 43% at clubs.

Many of those taking the survey said they could be persuaded to try protection with earplugs if they were aware of the potential for permanent hearing loss (66%) or were advised by a medical professional (59%). The Medical Society of the State of New York and its 30,000 member physicians encourage health behaviors that prevent or reduce risks of illness and injury.

The report in the journal Pediatrics noted that short periods of exposure to amplified sound may not cause permanent hearing loss, but damage from long-term exposure can be cumulative. This means a slight hearing loss in childhood can become a substantial loss later on.

Researchers analyzed data collected from 9,693 web surveys (average age being 19) about general health issues presented to random visitors at the MTV website. Hearing loss was considered "a very big problem" by 8%, behind acne at 18%, nutrition and weight issues at 31%, depression at 44%, smoking at 45%, alcohol/drug use at 47%, and sexually-transmitted diseases at 50%.

This information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York. For more health-related information and referrals to physicians in your community, contact your local county medical society.