Audiometric thresholds and portable digital audio player user listening habits

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between portable digital audio player listening behaviours and (1) measured sound pressure levels, (2) audiometric measures, (3) self-reported hearing loss symptoms. DESIGN: A questionnaire to evaluate listening behaviours, including self-reported hearing loss symptoms and listening duration/volume settings. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between these variables, audiometric evaluation, calculated exposure levels, Lex(8hr), and measured sound pressure levels, Leq(32sec). STUDY SAMPLE: This study included 103 males and 134 female subjects aged 10 to 17 years. RESULTS: Calculated Lex(8hr) and measured Leq(32sec) levels increased with age and self-reported usage time. Audiometric thresholds averaged over 4 and 8 kHz were higher when usage exceeded five years as compared to less than one year. Higher measured sound pressure levels were associated with worse audiometric thresholds at (0.5, 1, 2 kHz, averaged) and 4 kHz. Self-reported hearing loss symptoms were reported by 33% to 50% of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort sample, our results support a statistical association between hearing acuity and (1) Self-reported weekly usage in hours; (2) Tightness of fit; (3) Years of usage; and (4) Measured sound pressure levels. Generalizing these results beyond the current sample would require additional research.