Usage of personal music players in adolescents and its association with noise-induced hearing loss: A cross-sectional analysis of Ohrkan cohort study data

Abstract

Objective: To describe personal music player (PMP) usage among adolescents, sociodemographic determinants and association with audiometric notches. Design: Audiometric evaluation to assess hearing status, and standardized questionnaires to evaluate PMP listening behaviors, leisure noise exposures and self-reported hearing loss symptoms. Sociodemographic information was collected using a parent questionnaire. Noise exposure by PMP usage equivalent for a 40 h week was estimated based on self-reported volume and duration of use. Study sample: A total of 2143 students (54% females) attending 9th grade in Regensburg, Germany, during 2009 to 2011. Results: Overall, 85% of the students reported using PMPs. Exposure level exceeded 80 dB(A) in approximately one third, and 85 dB(A) in one quarter, of those who used PMP. An audiometric notch was found in 2.3% of participants, but was not significantly associated with higher PMP exposure. Conclusions: PMP exposure above the occupational limits of 80 and 85 dB(A) set by the Directive 2003/10/EC may be a risk factor for developing noise-induced hearing loss. Educational measures to ameliorate high risk behaviors in PMP usage are needed, particularly for socially disadvantaged groups.