Hear Today - Hearing Loss Tomorrow: a Preliminary Survey of South African First Year University Students' Personal Audio Player User Habits and Knowledge

Abstract

Background Noise induced hearing loss is increasingly being diagnosed among young adults. This phenomenon has been associated with increased use of personal audio devices (PAD’s), such as iPods, Mp3-Players and other similar devices. Information on the listening habits and their impact on hearing is limited to a few overseas studies. The present study gathered preliminary information on the local users’ listening habits and knowledge of the potential dangers of these devices. Method Portable audio player listening habits of 100 first year university students, their knowledge of the devices and their potential hearing hazards were assessed by means of a web-based survey. In addition, the students’ awareness of noise induced hearing loss was investigated. Results A majority of the students surveyed owned a personal audio device. They tended to listen to their devices long and loud. They seemed unaware of the important features of the devices and aspects that might increase the risk of hearing loss. They possessed a reasonable understanding of noise induced hearing loss. Conclusions Similarly to overseas youngsters, a large portion of the first year university students used these devices in a manner which could increase the risk of noise induced hearing loss. A large minority of the respondents seemed to show little or no concern over the potential negative impact of the devices. It is clear that additional research is needed to establish more representative data and to find ways to prevent the potential negative impacts of the devices. The results suggest that health personnel should immediately start dissemination of information about potential hearing hazards to their clientele.