Association between Headphone Usage and Noise-induced Hearing Loss among Medical Students.

Abstract

Background and objective:

Medical students are reported to use headphones for their educational and entertainment purposes. On the other hands, these devices have also been associated with a rising number of cases involving reduced hearing capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the association between headphone usage and frequency of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among medical students.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional correlational study from May 2024 to August 2024. The study involved 104 medical students from various medical colleges across Pakistan. Data was collected, which included a self-assessment hearing test. Pilot testing on 4 participants of different age groups were done online and then audiometry was performed in the Otorhinolaryngology department of Abwa medical College, Faisalabad. After validating, the tool was circulated via google forms to various medical students. Self-reported auditory data were collected. Participants’ self-reported auditory data were analyzed, and a hearing frequency test categorized them into normal (≥16001 Hz) and abnormal (≤16000 Hz) hearing groups according to the reference age related frequency table. Data was transferred to Excel and analyzed statistically. Student hearing frequencies were correlated with reported headphone volume and usage duration. A p-value less than 0.05 considered significant. One-way ANOVA test, chi-square test and independent t-test used to determine associations between headphone usage and hearing loss.

Results:

Out of 104 invited students, who returned the form with hearing test. Only 53.85% exhibited normal hearing thresholds. A significant association was found between NIHL and listening duration (χ² = 6.75, p = 0.0093). Also between NIHL and volume (χ² = 8.32, p = 0.004). One-way ANOVA has shown significant differences in hearing frequencies between safe and unsafe listening groups; (F = 15.62, p = 0.000196). Furthermore T-tests confirmed that prolonged exposure to high sound levels reduced hearing frequency significantly (t = -12.59, p < 2.34 × 10⁻¹⁸).

Conclusion:

This study highlights a significant association between prolonged, high-volume headphone usage. And early-onset hearing deterioration among medical students. The findings reinforce the urgent need for awareness campaigns on safe listening practices. This urges  regular hearing assessments to mitigate risk of NIHL in young adults.