标题：Bluetooth versus non- Bluetooth earphones and their potential harmful effect on hearing: a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate medical students, Saudi Arabia
期刊名称：International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education
电子版ISSN：1308-5581
出版年度：2022
卷号：14
期号：3
页码：3115-3125
DOI：10.9756/INT-JECSE/V14I3.380
语种：English
出版社：International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education
摘要：BACKGROUND The use of Bluetooth and non- Bluetooth earphones is increasing worldwide. Improper use of these devices is associated with a higher risk for hearing loss. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of use of Bluetooth and non -Bluetooth earphones on hearing function and to determine whether the combined use of both types have more negative impact on hearing or not. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 42 adult female students in medical college, Majmaah University. It included a questionnaire to evaluate earphone listening habits and pure -tone audiometry to assess hearing function. The data was analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square tests to fulfill the objectives of the study. RESULTS Around 85.7 % of the students had hearing threshold ≥20 dB HL at one or more frequencies. Left ears were more affected than right ears. Hearing threshold > 40dB HL was observed in left ear. A significant higher difference was only observed between combined group and Bluetooth group at frequency of 250 Hz in left ear. No significant difference was observed between studied groups at other frequencies. Poorer hearing thresholds was observed in those who frequently used earphones. CONCLUSION Main hearing thresholds were poor in earphone users which could be interpreted as earphones use may have negative impact on hearing. The combined use of both types of earphones did not show more negative impact on hearing threshold. It is essential to implement education programs inorder to raise young people's awareness of proper earphone use and change their attitudes toward them.
关键词：Earphones;Bluetooth;listening habits;pure tone audiometry;hearing threshold;hearing loss
