Cultural adaptation and administration of public awareness questionnaire on hearing health and hearing loss in Karnataka

Abstract

Abstract Background: Good hearing health is necessary for an individual to communicate and stay oriented within the environment. Certain factors like present lifestyle, trauma, illness, genetic disorders, age, and leisure activities can lead to hearing loss when left unattended. The study aims to culturally adapt, administer, and assess public awareness of Karnataka's hearing loss and hearing health. Method: The design used in this study was a cross-sectional survey design. The sampling method used in this study was Quota sampling. In total, 720 participants aged 20-60 completed a culturally adapted questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 22 questions targeting the awareness of hearing loss and hearing health, focusing on four domains: (1) Knowledge about infant hearing loss, (2) Cleaning and treatment, (3) The effect of overexposure to noise and loud sounds, (4) Diagnostic delay. Results: Approximately 70% of the correct responses were given to almost all the statements. However, specific essential Knowledge was lacking. Only 56% and 50.23% knew about specialized tests available for a hearing evaluation and the recommended standards on the duration of noise exposure. Conclusion: There is a general lack of public awareness about ringing sensation and its impact on an individual's daily activities. Most people were also unaware of recommendation guidelines regarding reducing exposure duration to high-intensity noises; hence, these findings support the need for noise reduction informative initiatives. In conclusion, this audiological questionnaire appeared to be a simple, practical, and reliable tool. The outcome showed a need for continued development of comprehensive hearing conservation programs focusing on hearing aid management, early infant hearing loss detection, and noise exposure prevention, which will be necessary to continue developing.