Abstract

Overview

The study focusses on the effects of Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth earphones on hearing functions among medical students. The increasing use of these devices globally accompanies risks which may lead to hearing loss.

Methods

• Conducted on 42 adult female students at Majmaah University.
• Included questionnaires on earphone listening habits and pure-tone audiometry to assess hearing.
• Statistical analysis included ANOVA and Chi-square tests.

Findings

A sizeable percentage (85.7%) of the subjects showed a hearing threshold ≥20 dB HL at one or more frequencies, highlighting significant hearing impacts. Notably, poorer hearing thresholds were prevalent in frequent earphone users.

Detailed analysis revealed that while there was a significant difference in hearing thresholds at a specific frequency in the combined use group compared to the Bluetooth only group, overall, no added negative impact from combined usage was found.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a negative correlation between frequent earphone use and hearing quality. Although combined use did not exacerbate hearing threshold levels, individual use still presented significant risks. The authors advocate for educational programs to raise awareness and modify behaviors regarding earphone use amongst young people.