The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Noisy Environments Poll Summary

Transcription

1 The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Noisy Environments Poll Summary Spring 2017

2 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

3 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

4 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, 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

5 Executive Summary 4

6 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

7 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

8 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

9 Attitudes Towards Hearing 8

10 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? Somewhat important, 15% Not very important, Not important 3% at all, 1% Extremely important, 39% 100% 75% 74% 81% 81% 84% 86% 89% 50% % Extremely/Very Important Very important, 42% 81% Extremely/ Very Important 25% 0% Q500 All respondents (n=1,007) 9

11 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? How would you describe your hearing compared to 5 years ago? 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 is a little worse, 32% My hearing is much worse, 5% My hearing is much better, 3% My hearing is a little better, 4% My hearing isn't as good as it could be, but I don't think I need to be treated, 41% My hearing is the same, 56% Q510/Q520 All respondents (n=1,007) 10

12 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" 75% % who say their hearing has gotten a little or a lot worse in the past 5 years 50% 54% 50% 39% 42% 48% 47% 37% 39% 25% 27% 29% 28% 29% 0% Q510/Q520 All respondents (n=1,007) 11

13 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% Q530/Q540 All respondents (n=1,007) 12

14 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 75% % who have been diagnosed with noise-induced hearing loss 50% 29% 29% 27% 32% 35% 29% 25% 10% 4% 6% 8% 11% 11% 0% Q530/Q540 All respondents (n=1,007) 13

15 Current Leisure Activities and Attitudes Towards Noisy Environments 14

16 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 Seen a live fireworks display Gone to a bar or club Attended a street fair or festival Attended a holiday party/concert 46% 46% 42% 40% 38% Visited a city center Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation center Attended a live concert Attended a sporting event at a large sports stadium 33% 32% 32% 29% Gone to a gun range 11% None of these 3% Q200 All respondents (n=1,007) 15

17 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 Gone to a restaurant 83% 89% 93% 89% 92% 94% Gone to a movie at a movie theater 74% 79% 73% 65% 55% 49% Gone to a public park 67% 73% 68% 60% 56% 42% Gone to a coffee shop 62% 66% 59% 56% 49% 43% Gone to a beach/waterfront 47% 50% 55% 43% 41% 35% Seen a live fireworks display 41% 50% 53% 49% 37% 41% Gone to a bar or club 44% 54% 47% 46% 33% 18% Attended a street fair or festival 41% 48% 41% 40% 36% 30% Attended a holiday party/concert 42% 46% 40% 37% 30% 28% Visited a city center 32% 39% 38% 31% 30% 22% Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation center 43% 50% 37% 26% 16% 8% Attended a live concert 41% 37% 31% 30% 22% 25% Attended a sporting event at a large sports stadium 34% 35% 30% 28% 22% 22% Gone to a gun range 14% 13% 12% 12% 8% 5% Q200 All respondents (n=1,007) 16

18 Two-thirds of respondents feel society has become noisier Most prefer quiet activities Over the past few years, do you feel that society has become? Do you tend to prefer out-of-home leisure activities that are? 66% Noisier/ Much Noisier Much noisier, 19% Noisier, 47% Much less noisy, 4% Less noisy, 4% Has stayed about the same, 27% 45% Quiet/ Very Quiet Quiet, 41% Very quiet, 4% Very noisy, 3% Noisy, 9% I don t have a preference for noisy or quiet activities, 42% Q210/Q220 All respondents (n=1,007) 17

19 A preference for quiet leisure activities increases with age 100% Over the past few years, do you feel that society has become?/ Do you tend to prefer out-of-home leisure activities that are? 75% 63% 58% 73% 61% 75% 63% 67% 66% 50% 25% 28% 37% 50% 41% % who feel that society has become noisier % who prefer quiet environments for leisure activities 0% Q210/Q220 All respondents (n=1,007) 18

20 Those with hearing difficulties are most likely to prefer quiet environments % who prefer quiet environments for leisure activities 100% 75% 57% 50% 48% 37% 25% 0% My hearing is excellent My hearing isn t as good as it used to be I have hearing difficulty Q210/Q220 All respondents (n=1,007) 19

21 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? Which of the following would you say can be disadvantageous to having noisy environments for leisure activities? Noisy environments feel more energetic 48% Noisy environments make it difficult for me to engage in conversation 69% Noisy environments reduce social pressure to interact or talk with others 38% Noisy environments can cause me to worry about the impact on my hearing 30% Noisy environments are more fun 21% Noisy environments cause me pain or discomfort in my ears (e.g. ringing in the ears) 27% None of these 23% None of these 14% Q230/Q240 All respondents (n=1,007) 20

22 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 75% Noisy environments reduce social pressure to interact or talk with others 50% 58% 43% 55% 50% 41% 39% 47% 34% Noisy environments are more fun 38% 33% 25% 32% 22% 22% 22% 35% 26% 0% 10% 9% Q230 All respondents (n=1,007) 21

23 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 Noisy environments cause me pain or discomfort in my ears (e.g. ringing in the ears) 78% 86% 75% 58% 64% 69% 68% 50% 34% 28% 30% 36% 34% 29% 25% 29% 25% 29% 26% 23% 19% 0% Q240 All respondents (n=1,007) 22

24 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 bad idea, 21% A very bad idea, 6% A very good idea, 14% 75% 71% 62% % a very good/good idea % a bad/very bad idea 50% 42% 40% 38% 44% I have no opinion, 26% A good idea, 34% 25% 12% 18% 29% 30% 32% 23% 0% Q250 All respondents (n=1,007) 23

25 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. I am concerned that my PAST exposure to loud leisure settings may have harmed my hearing. I am concerned that FUTURE exposure to loud leisure settings may harm my hearing. Disagree, 21% Strongly disagree, 7% Neither agree or disagree, 36% Strongly agree, 8% Agree, 28% Disagree, 24% Strongly disagree, 10% Neither agree or disagree, 24% Strongly agree, 9% Agree, 32% Strongly disagree, 6% Disagree, 17% Neither agree or disagree, 26% Strongly agree, 11% Agree, 40% Q260/Q270/Q280 All respondents (n=1,007) 24

26 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% 57% 50% 49% 48% 39% 40% 50% 42% 48% 47% 47% 45% 33% 25% 33% 38% 35% 31% 31% 0% Q260/Q270/Q280 All respondents (n=1,007) 25

27 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 I am concerned that FUTURE exposure to loud leisure settings may harm my hearing. 39% 58% 63% 22% I am concerned that my PAST exposure to loud leisure settings may have harmed my hearing. 52% My hearing is excellent In the past few years, loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of out-of-home leisure activities 29% 38% 62% My hearing isn t as good as it used to be I have hearing difficulty 44% Q260/Q270/Q280 All respondents (n=1,007) 26

28 Past Behaviors 27

29 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 I have decided not to go back to a place because it was too noisy I have chosen to go to a leisure activity at an off-peak time so it may be quieter 27% 27% 28% 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 I have asked a manager or staff member to turn the noise down 11% 14% 18% % 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% I have researched the noise level of a venue ahead of time and chosen where to go based on anticipated noise levels 5% None of these 28% Q300 All respondents (n=1,007) 28

30 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 50% I have brought earplugs or hearing protection 36% 35% 25% 21% 22% 23% 20% 28% 21% 27% 25% 25% 18% 17% 14% 17% 16% 14% 13% 0% Q300 All respondents (n=1,007) 29

31 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. 50% Loud noise has reduced my enjoyment of a leisure activity I have moved away from a noise source (e.g. speakers) 25% I have chosen to go to a leisure activity at an off-peak time so it may be quieter 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 is excellent 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 Q300 All respondents (n=1,007) 30

32 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 but the noise level did not bother me I have done this and the noise level has bothered me I haven t done this, but it wasn t at all because of the noise level Gone to a gun range 11% 10% 21% 58% Attended a live concert 9% 24% 40% 27% Gone to a bar or club 9% 26% 36% 30% Attended a sporting event at a large sports stadium 9% 18% 42% 31% Attended a holiday party/concert 7% 14% 52% 27% Seen a live fireworks display 7% 14% 61% 17% Attended a street fair or festival 7% 10% 58% 26% Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation 6% 11% 53% 30% Visited a city center 6% 8% 52% 35% Gone to a beach/waterfront 5% 6% 63% 25% Gone to a public park 5% 7% 73% 15% Gone to a movie at a movie theater 4% 17% 63% 15% Gone to a coffee shop 4% 10% 63% 23% Gone to a restaurant 4% 21% 70% 6% Q310 All respondents (n=1,007) 31

33 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 Gone to a restaurant 24% 29% 25% 25% 24% 16% Gone to a coffee shop 22% 15% 10% 14% 9% 11% Gone to a movie at a movie theater 28% 22% 19% 21% 16% 18% Gone to a public park 20% 15% 9% 8% 9% 5% Gone to a beach/waterfront 19% 14% 7% 9% 9% 6% Visited a city center 20% 14% 14% 12% 10% 7% Gone to an amusement park, trampoline park, or family recreation center 22% 16% 20% 18% 14% 11% Attended a street fair or festival 25% 23% 13% 12% 15% 10% Seen a live fireworks display 28% 23% 19% 19% 21% 16% Attended a holiday party/concert 27% 14% 20% 21% 26% 20% Attended a sporting event at a large sports stadium 30% 24% 29% 26% 23% 23% Gone to a bar or club 38% 38% 37% 32% 37% 22% Attended a live concert 38% 27% 38% 31% 33% 25% Gone to a gun range 33% 19% 19% 16% 18% 14% Q310 All respondents (n=1,007) 32

34 The Future 33

35 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 29% Display noise level monitors with clear safe/unsafe indicators 22% They don t need to do anything 22% Q400 All respondents (n=1,007) 34

36 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 I would support Not sure/no opinion I would oppose I would strongly oppose Educating consumers about the health impact of noisy environments 20% 50% 21% 5% 3% Educating venue owners about the health impact of noisy environments 19% 48% 25% 6% 3% Requiring noisy venues to have earplugs available 16% 43% 29% 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% Q410 All respondents (n=1,007) 35

37 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 Educating consumers about the health impact of noisy environments 63% 66% 80% Educating venue owners about the health impact of noisy environments 60% 62% 75% Requiring noisy venues to have earplugs available 53% 55% 66% My hearing is excellent Requiring "hearing protection zones" within the noisy venues 49% 54% 62% My hearing isn t as good as it used to be Requiring venues to have noise level monitors with clear safe/unsafe indicators 47% 50% 65% I have hearing difficulty Having stricter regulations and noise ordinances for venues 46% 55% 51% Q410 All respondents (n=1,007) 36

38 Appendix: Respondent Characteristics 37

39 Respondents spanned a variety of age groups and both genders Gender and Age of Respondents Are you? How old are you? 13% 12% Female, 51% Male, 49% 9% 8% 8% 9% 10% 10% 8% 7% 6% Q100/Q110 All respondents (n=1,007) 38

40 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% 13% 17% 16% Black/African American, 13% 5% 6% 5% 9% 8% White/Other, 71% New England Mid- Atlantic E. North Central W. North Central South Atlantic E. South Central W. South Central Mountain 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) Q130/Q150 All respondents (n=1,007) 39

41 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? Do you live? Just meet basic expenses with nothing left over, 24% Don't meet basic expenses, 4% Live comfortably, 32% In a small town or rural area, 27% Not sure, 1% In an urban or city area, 30% Meet needs with a little left over, 40% In a suburban area next to a city, 41% Q1010/Q1020 All respondents (n=1,007) 40

42 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 degree (e.g., B.A., B.S.) Completed some graduate school, but no degree Graduate degree (e.g., M.S., M.D., Ph.D.) Q1000 All respondents (n=1,007) 41