Purpose
to examine the relationship between the use of headphones and hearing impairments and hearing caused by portable music players.
Methods
the purpose was to collect data through a questionnaire answered by the participants. Realization of audiometric tests: tonal and vocal audiometry, immittance, and acoustic reflexes, transient otoacoustic emissions and distortion product otoacoustic emissions, subsequently the data were compared between individuals of the same group and the groups were compared itself (the experimental group and control group). For statistical analysis we used the chi-square and Fisher exact test.
Results
some of the variables investigated, such as the use of headphones 1 to 2 hours a day, the presence of non auditory and auditory complaints, exposure to high sound pressure levels of extra-occupational once a week to be nonsmoker do not use drugs prescription and not ringing often possessed statistically significant for the experimental group. Regarding hearing complaints there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups concerning the feeling of muffled ear and sensation of decreased hearing.
Conclusion
the temporary symptoms indicate the potential harmful effects of listening to portable music players for an hour a day. Research is needed to assess long-term damage to the auditory system.
Hearing; Hearing Aid; Acoustic Impedance Tests; Hearing Loss; Noise; Music
