Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a hybrid hearing conservation program (HCP) on second- and third-graders’ knowledge of, attitude about, and intended behavior towards hearing, noise, and hearing protection. After reviewing the literature, the researcher developed a five-day hearing conservation unit based on best practices in education and preventative health care. The researcher measured students’ perceived susceptibility to hearing loss, severity of the consequences of hearing loss, benefits of preventative action, barriers to preventative action, behavioral intentions, social norms, and self efficacy. The researcher administered the survey before the intervention, taught the unit, and administered the same survey after the intervention. Results of the study found that the hybrid HCP was effective at improving students’ perceived susceptibility to hearing loss, however, the intervention did not improve students’ knowledge or intended behavior in any of the other factors. A large reason for the lack of improvement may have been caused by inconsistent attendance of the participants.

Advisor

Furey, Joan

Second Advisor

Wereley, Megan

Department

Communication Studies; Education

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders | Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Speech Pathology and Audiology

Keywords

hearing conservation, hearing conservation program, education, best practice, education research, preventative health care

Publication Date

2014

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2014 Ellen V. Kleber