A Study on the Korean-Version of the Youth Attitudes toward Noise Scale

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a Korean-version of the Youth Attitudes to Noise Scale (K-YANS) reflecting the primary causes of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): exposure to loud sounds in noisy places and unsafe listening practices on personal listening devices (PLDs). Methods: We translated the English-version of the YANS, which included 19 question items with four factors and selected four additional items relevant to youth's listening practices on PLDs. A total of 321 Korean college students completed an online survey on the K-YANS. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, content validity measurement, and Pearson's correlation coefficient to measure the validity of the items; and Cronbach's alpha coefficient to measure the reliability. Additionally, we conducted multiple linear regressions to examine the effects of age and gender on attitudes toward noise. Results: A series of factor analyses led to the final version of the K-YANS of 16 items with three factors. The content validity of the items was .87. All three factors had a positive linear relationship with the entire YANS with Factor 1 having the highest Pearson's correlation coefficient (.78). Cronbach's alpha coefficient for all 16 items was .73. The results of multiple linear regressions showed a significant effect of gender but not a significant effect of age on attitudes toward noise. Conclusion: The K-YANS is a valid and reliable self-report measure that can be used to assess NIHL and promote safe listening practices in young adults.