Journal of Pollution Effects & Control
Open Access

Abstract

Are Younger Adults at Risk of Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss?

Dass A, Sanju HK and Yadav AK

From the previous literature it was observed that modern lifestyle habits among youngsters are risk factors for hearing loss. So, there is a need to investigate the risk of early “Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss” among younger adults. The present study aimed to investigate the risk of early “Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss” among younger adults. Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss Risk Questionnaire (LIHLRQ) was developed and administered among 412 university students in the age range of 17 to 25 years. There are 28 questions in LIHLQ, categorized fewer than three sections i.e, Noise Exposure (NE), Lifestyle and Auditory Health Belief (LAHB) and Ear related Medical History (ERMH). Among a total of 412 participants in the present study, only 1.21% falls under no risk category, whereas 54.61% and 39.56% falls under mild and moderate risk category respectively. The percentage of population falls under high risk was 4.61%. Kruskal Wallis test revealed significant difference across groups (p<0.05). Spearman’s correlation revealed strong significant correlation between NE and LABH. Similarly, strong significant correlation seen between LABH and ERMH. Results of the present study revealed a significant difference among the four groups with respect to LIHQ score. It can be concluded from the results that the rise in scores across subcategories (i.e. NE, LABH and ERM) corresponds to the significant upward shift in risk for hearing loss. The finding of present study showed an urgent need to educate younger adults at risk of hearing loss. The outcome of present study showed that most of the participants were at risk of hearing loss.