Objective: Public awareness of audiological issues has never been measured in the general public even if the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted a common urgent need for action to prevent and manage ear diseases and hearing loss. This study aimed to measure public awareness of managing and preventing ear disease and hearing loss using a self-designed questionnaire. The questionnaire was formulated based on World Health Organization materials, focusing on four domains; knowledge of infant hearing loss, management of ear cleaning and treating, underestimated ear symptoms leading to diagnostic delay, focus on the effect of overexposure to loud sounds and noise. Results: A total of 296 individuals fully completed the questionnaires. The median score of knowledge was found to be nine with a total possible score of thirteen. The majority of respondents (51.5%) scored from 7 to 10. All sociodemographic and risk factors were analysed, but the only significant associations were found between age and knowledge score and occupation and knowledge score. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about ear diseases, hearing management and hearing loss are influenced by several factors including age, gender, educational level and occupation. The results showed a need for continuing people’s education campaigns, focused on hearing protection.
