THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTERACTIVE HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM FOR ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL-CHILDREN

An educational hearing conservation program (HCP) emphasizing student participation and supplemental in-class activities led by a teacher wa s presented in two 1-hour sessions to two classes of fourth-grade chil dren enrolled in regular education programs. Questionnaires assessing their knowledge of hearing, noise-induced hearing loss, and hearing co nservation practices were administered before and after the HCP. Signi ficant increase in knowledge concerning noise-induced hearing loss and hearing conservation practices were seen in both classes, with greate r gain seen among students receiving more extensive supplemental activ ities. Post-HCP responses revealed that the majority of the children i ntend to use ear protection when engaged in noisy activities. Teachers indicated they would increase coverage of hearing and hearing conserv ation in their classrooms and use hearing protection when exposed to l oud noise.