Communicating Hearing Loss Information to Young Children: Effectiveness of Lecture and Printed Materials

Abstract

Developing positive attitudes and behaviors toward hearing loss prevention is more effective the earlier it begins. This study evaluated two training techniques for educating young children about noise and hearing loss. Third grade students from seven Pennsylvania elementary schools received either no intervention between the pre-tests and post-tests, a lecture about hearing loss, or an informational bookmark along with the same lecture. A 10 item quiz was administered as a pre-test and post-test to assess changes in knowledge. Scores on the quiz improved the most for the lecture intervention groups regardless of whether they received the bookmark. Adding the bookmark did not have a significant effect on knowledge gain. The findings reinforce the value of providing an educational foundation along with communication products.

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