Despite reported knowledge of hearing loss risk due to PLD use in virtually all college students, 1 in 4 were found to listen to their PLDs at free-field equivalent levels greater than 80-dBA, with 94% unaware of their potential risk. Further research is needed to provide accurate PLD listening information and evaluate the possibility of long term PLD intensities that surpass recommended safety levels on hearing loss in adults over time.

BackgroundPrimary care plays an important role in the conception and delivery of transformational research but GP engagement lacks, prompting calls for the promotion of academic opportunities in primary care.AimTo identify potential barriers and facilitators amongst GP trainees and trainers in primary care research to inform support given by Local Clinical Research Networks (LCRNs).Design & settingA cross sectional online survey was developed and distributed by the CRN to GP trainees and trainers in the North East and North West.MethodThe survey covered areas including demographics, career intentions, current and potential engagement with research as well as their general understanding of research in primary care, that included barriers and facilitators to primary care research.ResultsTrainees had low intentionality to pursue research and half of trainees did not engage with any research activity. Despite 1 in five trainees reporting intentions to include research in their career, only 1% would undertake a solely academic career. Medical school region is the only strongly associated factor with academic career intention. Just under 30% of trainers reported engagement in research, but far fewer (8.6%) were interested in contributing to research, and only 10% felt prepared to mentor in research.ConclusionAmong trainees, there is limited engagement in, and intentionality to pursue research and this is crucially reflected by responses from trainers. This study identifies the need for LCRN’s to assist with training in research mentoring and skills, funding opportunities and to develop resources to promote research in primary care.

Objectives: This study examined the association between pure tone hearing sensitivity and music listening behaviors among traditional college-aged students and sought to determine factors that mediate hearing sensitivity, including health and fitness levels, gender, and personal listening device (PLD) use. Methods: A convenience sample of college students (N = 182; 133 females, 49 males, mean age = 19.8 ± 1.4 year, average PLD use = 1.52 ± 7.1 hours•day−1) completed hearing assessments, music listening behavior questionnaires, and health and fitness tests. Results: Most students listened to music at safe intensity levels (<80 dBA), though 18% had higher hearing levels (≥25 dB HL at one of the measured frequencies). Longer listening duration behavior approached but did not reach a statistical association with compromised hearing sensitivity. Of all variables measured, including cardiovascular health, fitness, and music listening, two variables: total cholesterol: triglycerides (TC:TG) and total cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (TC:HDL) significantly associated with hearing sensitivity at 2 kHz. The odds hearing loss occurring at 4 kHz was 59% lower in females compared with males. Conclusion: The majority of college students had healthy music listening behavior and fitness, contributing to normal hearing sensitivity in most. In cases where greater hearing threshold levels at one or more frequencies was detected, TC:HDL and TC:TG were statistically related and at 2 kHz, males were more likely to demonstrate higher listening levels compared with females of similar health and fitness level.

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