Bluetooth versus non-Bluetooth earphones and their potential harmful effect on hearing: a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate medical students, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Bluetooth versus non-Bluetooth earphones and their potential harmful effect on hearing: a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate medical students, Saudi Arabia Zeinab A. Abd-El.haleem, Madania M N. Idrees, Waqas Sami, Shamshad B.A. Loni, Hemmat H.G.Hareedy. Bluetooth versus non- Bluetooth earphones and their potential harmful effect on hearing: a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate medical students, Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education (INT-JECSE). 2022. 14(03): 3115. Abstract 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 in order to raise young people's awareness of proper earphone use and change their attitudes toward them. Conclusion Pure-tone audiometry showed poor hearing thresholds in those using earphones for more than 1 year. 85.7% of the students had hearing thresholds >20 dB HL at one or more frequencies. Mild hearing loss was observed in both right and left ears. Moderate hearing loss was observed in left ear only. On comparing the mean hearing thresholds of the three studied group, a higher hearing threshold was only observed between the combined and Bluetooth groups at frequency of 250 Hz in left ear. In right ear no difference was observed between the three studied groups at all frequencies. Thus, combined use of Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth earphones did not show more risk on hearing function in relation to either Bluetooth or non-Bluetooth alone. Open access paper: int-jecse.net

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Among 42 female students, 85.7% had hearing threshold ≥20 dB HL at one or more frequencies; left ears were more affected than right, and hearing threshold >40 dB HL was observed in the left ear. Comparing Bluetooth, non-Bluetooth, and combined-use groups, a significant difference was reported only between the combined and Bluetooth groups at 250 Hz in the left ear, with no significant differences at other frequencies; poorer thresholds were observed in frequent earphone users.

Outcomes measured

• Pure-tone audiometry hearing thresholds (dB HL)
• Hearing loss severity (mild/moderate)
• Differences in hearing thresholds by earphone type group (Bluetooth vs non-Bluetooth vs combined)
• Association of frequency of earphone use with hearing thresholds

Limitations

• Cross-sectional design
• Small sample size (n=42)
• Participants were adult female medical students from a single university

{
    "study_type": "cross_sectional",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "bluetooth earphones",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "earphone use (including >1 year mentioned)"
    },
    "population": "Adult female undergraduate medical students (Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia)",
    "sample_size": 42,
    "outcomes": [
        "Pure-tone audiometry hearing thresholds (dB HL)",
        "Hearing loss severity (mild/moderate)",
        "Differences in hearing thresholds by earphone type group (Bluetooth vs non-Bluetooth vs combined)",
        "Association of frequency of earphone use with hearing thresholds"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Among 42 female students, 85.7% had hearing threshold ≥20 dB HL at one or more frequencies; left ears were more affected than right, and hearing threshold >40 dB HL was observed in the left ear. Comparing Bluetooth, non-Bluetooth, and combined-use groups, a significant difference was reported only between the combined and Bluetooth groups at 250 Hz in the left ear, with no significant differences at other frequencies; poorer thresholds were observed in frequent earphone users.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Cross-sectional design",
        "Small sample size (n=42)",
        "Participants were adult female medical students from a single university"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "Bluetooth",
        "non-Bluetooth earphones",
        "hearing loss",
        "pure-tone audiometry",
        "students",
        "Saudi Arabia",
        "listening habits"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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