Noise-Induced Hearing Loss related to Personal Music Players- Awareness Level among the Young users in a Developing Country

Abstract

Introduction:

Since the first introduction of personal portable players in June 1979, the younger generations are exposed daily to high levels of noise which is higher with use of insert earphones/ headset. This is leading to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) at a younger age. NIHL is an important public health priority because, as people live longer and industrialization spreads; NIHL will add substantially to the global burden of disability. This may have a major economic impact on the community as these teenagers and young adults may require hearing aids at a younger age.

Objective:

To assess the awareness among young users of personal music players (PMP) with headset/insert earphones about NIHL caused by these devices. To assess presence of symptoms related to prolonged noise exposure.

Material & Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 400 university-going students.

Results:

The participants were from 19-22 years of age. Male to female ratio was 1:2. Though 80% of our respondents had some knowledge about NIHL but very few were changing their practices for protection of their hearing. Twenty-two percent of respondents are experiencing hearing impairment and 29% difficulty understanding speech despite their young ages. 27% had tinnitus while 21% had vertigo following prolonged exposure to noise.

Conclusion:

Majority of users of audio devices surveyed were listening to music for more than 1 hr/day at moderate to high volumes. Although more than three-quarters of our respondents knew something about NIHL, but less than one-third of them were actually practising hearing protective measures.