Music listening behavior, health, hearing and otoacoustic emission levels.

Kathleen Hutchinson Marron,Sarah Wagner,Danielle Ross,Brittany Sproat,Helaine Alessio

doi:10.3390/ijerph110807592

Kathleen Hutchinson Marron, Sarah Wagner + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110807592

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between hearing levels, otoacoustic emission levels and listening habits related to the use of personal listening devices (PLDs) in adults with varying health-related fitness. Duration of PLD use was estimated and volume level was directly measured. Biomarkers of health-related fitness were co-factored into the analyses. 115 subjects ages 18–84 participated in this study. Subjects were divided into two sub-groups; PLD users and non-PLD users. Both groups completed audiological and health-related fitness tests. Due to the mismatch in the mean age of the PLD user versus the non-PLD user groups, age-adjusted statistics were performed to determine factors that contributed to hearing levels. Age was the most significant predictor of hearing levels across listening and health-related fitness variables. PLD user status did not impact hearing measures, yet PLD users who listened less than 8 hours per week with intensities of less than 80 dBA were found to have better hearing. Other variables found to be associated with hearing levels included: years listening to PLD, number of noise environments and use of ear protection. Finally, a healthy waist-to-hip ratio was a significant predictor of better hearing, while body mass index approached, but did not reach statistical significance.

Highlights

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition within the adult population in the United States [1]
This study examined the relationship between hearing levels, listening habits of personal listening devices (PLDs) users and cardiovascular health and fitness variables for adults aged 18 to 80
Age was found to be a significant predictor with traditional frequency-band thresholds, HF thresholds and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE)

Summary

Introduction

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health condition within the adult population in the United States [1]. The public generally attributes sensorineural hearing loss to presbycusis, hearing loss is becoming a growing concern for younger generations. This is due partly to noise exposure during recreational activities, including listening to music on Personal. The increasing prevalence of NIHL can be attributed to several factors including occupational and leisure-noise exposure. Sources of leisure noise exposure include concerts, fireworks, construction sites, firearms, and the subway [3]. Another source of leisure-noise that has become popular in the last 20 years is the PLD [4]. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines limit noise exposure in the occupational setting, few, if any, such restrictions apply to the non-occupational or leisure setting [6]

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