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Purpose: Research has documented hazardous sound levels in group fitness classes; however, perceptions of loud sound by fitness class participants, such as how loud and soft sound impacts motivation, whether participants feel empowered to change sound levels, and how sound impacts motivation compared with other characteristics of fitness classes, has not been examined. Method: This study examined online survey responses from 249 participants to gain insights into how music level and other environmental aspects of group fitness classes are perceived by participants. Results: Findings indicated nonauditory aspects of fitness classes, such as number of attendees, class schedule, difficulty level, and instructor attitude, tended to have a greater impact on motivation than music level. Participants suggested more control over music selection would improve motivation. Too soft music was perceived as a demotivator more often than too loud music. Participants rarely reported trying to modify the sound environment in fitness classes. Conclusions: Findings from this study align with a recent theoretical framework proposed by Welch and Fremaux (2017) , called the Conditioning, Adaptation, and Acculturation to Loud Music model, which suggests humans are conditioned to first accept loud music (overcoming natural aversion) and eventually to associate loud music with pleasure. Future research using a modified survey and distributed to large fitness center networks, should be conducted to more fully explore perceptions associated with sound environment in fitness classes.

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Older adults with hearing loss may not receive the necessary and appropriate referral and follow-up services, if the individuals involved with their care believe that hearing loss is simply a normal consequence of aging. While hearing loss may be “common” in older adults, it is by no means “normal” and brings with it consequences that can affect older individuals from a communicative and a psychosocial standpoint. This article will review types of hearing loss, some causes of hearing loss in older people, and the importance of evaluation and appropriate rehabilitative management of older individuals with hearing loss.