ABSTRACT
Introduction
Noise is one of the main environmental problems observed in big cities. Studies on sound contamination in the school environment have shown that the main sources of noise pollution are the very members of the school community, although they generally fail to recognize their contribution to the problem. Hence, in order to create a healthy hearing environment in schools educational actions are vital.
Purpose
To present an educational manual for creating healthy hearing habits and environments in the school setting.
Methods
Databases, online libraries, sites, books, manuals and periodicals were consulted to devise the manual based on health education theories.
Results
The manual describing the six steps of the program for creating healthy hearing habits and environments was presented.
Conclusion
Implementation of this educational manual can contribute to school community empowerment regarding noise issues and favor the creation of healthy hearing habits and environments.
Child; Health education; Hearing loss; Sound contamination; Health promotion; School health
Subtitle: (left): Don´t lose the beauty of the sounds of life. Turn down the volume! Take care of your hearing. Healthy hearing is quality of life. (Right): a whisper… rain against the window… treading on dry leaves… birds singing…
Subtitle: (left): Noise thermometer 140 dB: Immediate danger to hearing, Firearm; 120 dB: Risk of hearing loss in 7.5 minutes, Rock concert; 105 dB: Risk of hearing loss in 1 hour, Helicopter; 100 dB: Risk of hearing loss in 2 hours, Power saw and MP3 Player at high volume; 95 dB: Risk of hearing loss in 4 hours, Motorcycle; 90 dB: Risk of hearing loss in 8 hours, Lawn mower; 85 dB: Risk to hearing starts here; 60 dB: Normal conversation; 30 dB: Whisper. (Right): Turn down the volume! The high volume of your MP3 player can cause deafness. Take care of your hearing.
