Awareness About the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Its Relation to Headphones Use at al Jouf Region, Northern Saudi Arabia

Background: Noise is an "unwanted sound" with various adverse health effects. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) results from irreparable damage to the inner ear's cochlear hair cells. In addition, a potential consequence of using prevalent personal listening devices (PLDs) puts the users at greater risk of hearing loss when misusing these devices.

Objectives: This study evaluates the awareness of NIHL and headphones use among general population in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a representative random sample of the general population of Jouf, Northern Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed through the social media. We collected data regarding participants' awareness of NIHL caused by headphone use.

Results: As regard knowledge about NIHL among the studied population, there were 46.1% admitted to not knowing whether NIHL is a type of conductive hearing loss, 42.5% recognized that a substantial amount of hearing loss is required to impact speech and social development. The data also highlighted a positive trend, with 54.1% acknowledging that noise-induced hearing problems were preventable. Interestingly, a notable portion, 28.1%, were uncertain about the minimum duration of exposure to loud noise that could harm hearing. Similarly, a significant percentage, 24.0%, were unsure about the minimum volume levels that could negatively affect hearing. Additionally, 21.5% unsure whether frequent exposure to hazardous noise leads to hearing loss due to a damaged eardrum. As regard PLD-related practices, there was a significant portion primarily use earphones (40.4%) and listen to audio for 1-2 hours a day (42.5%). Most individuals (40.4%) reported that people surrounding them are usually affected by the noise from their PLDs. Interestingly, a high percentage (71.9%) expressed the recommendation for installing voice limiting features on their ear devices. Additionally, (80.8%) are willing to change their behavior if presented with evidence of the negative impact of loud noise on hearing.

Conclusion: noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent and preventable public health issue that affects a significant portion of the population, including individuals in Saudi Arabia. The study highlighted a lack of awareness and knowledge about NIHL and its symptoms among the general population. However, there is a positive trend towards acknowledging the preventability of noise-induced hearing problems. The study also revealed concerning practices related to personal listening devices (PLDs), with a significant portion of respondents using earphones for extended periods and being surrounded by noise from their devices. There is a growing willingness among individuals to change their behavior if presented with evidence of the negative impact of loud noise on hearing.