Predictors of hearing protection behavior among firefighters in the United States

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major occupational health problem that can be prevented through the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs).The purpose of this study is to identify significant factors related to firefighters' use of HPDs.A total of 404 firefighters from 35 fire departments in multiple states in the United States participated in an Internet-based survey from March 2010 to May 2011.Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis suggested that several modifying and cognitive-perceptual factors were significantly related to HPD use, including noise exposure, interpersonal influences, organizational support, perceived barriers to HPD use, and perceived susceptibility to hearing loss. The multiple regression model explained 56% (R(2) = .56, adjusted R(2) = .54) of the variance in firefighters' use of HPDs (F(13, 372) = 35.65, p .001).Future research should focus on incorporating these significant predictors into effective behavioral interventions designed to promote the use of HPDs in this population.