Personal Listening Devices (PLDs) Usage and Auditory Effects among University Students in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background The improper use of personal listening devices (PLDs) among young adults has been associated with an increased risk of hearing loss. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the PLDs listening practices among university students and to assess their auditory effects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a sample of 310 university students from Ain Shams University. The participants were conveniently selected from the Faculty of Medicine and Science. Participants were surveyed about their PLDs listening practices, including the daily duration of PLDs use, the volume at which they were typically used, and the number of years they had been using their PLDs. Participants were asked about common hearing problems associated with PLDs, and other risk factors for hearing loss were assessed. Hearing loss screening was done using the Five-minute hearing test (FMHT) and the “Hear WHO” mobile application. Participants who tested positive for hearing loss by both tests were referred for diagnostic pure-tone audiometry (PTA). Results Approximately 69% of the students used PLDs with an in-earpiece mainly during studying. A considerable proportion of students (53%) stated that they had been using their PLDs for over 5 years. Moreover, a notable percentage of students reported extended usage, with 83% using their PLDs for more than 60 minutes per day, and 72% using them at a volume level above 6. The majority of students (74%) were classified as low-risk users in terms of PLDs use. Thirty-three (10.6%) students tested positive for hearing loss on both screening tests, but only 5 (1.6%) had confirmed hearing loss by PTA. A Shift in the average hearing threshold at 4 kHz was detected in both ears, while remained within the normal range. Tinnitus was the most common symptom reported by 151 (49%) of the students, followed by ear pain reported by 130 (42%) of them. It was also detected that there was no statistically significant difference in hearing threshold levels based on the duration of PLDs use or the risk status of PLDs use. Moreover, in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, it was found that risk category of PLDs use was a significant predictor of tinnitus (OR: 2.69; 95% CI, 1.46-4.65), ear pain (OR: 2.62; 95% CI, 1.70-4.80), and excessive ear wax (OR: 2.43; 95% CI, 1.30-4.20) in higher risk categories compared to lower risk group. Conclusion Most students used PLDs for more than one hour daily with high volume (> 6). PLDs use was associated with auditory problems including tinnitus and ear pain. Regular hearing screenings is recommended for early detection of hearing loss among PLDs users.