Personal music player usage habits and risks in a Chilean population sample

Abstract

Introduction: The irresponsible use of personal music players has been identified as an emerging health risk behavior related to the noise induced hearing loss they would produce. Listening habits and risk factors involved have not been assessed in our country. Aim: To assess personal music player usage habits in a Chilean sample, estimating noise-induced hearing loss and to identify risk factors. Material and method: A questionnaire was applied to patients attending ENT consult, university students and social networks contacts through on-line version. Listening habits were explored. Based on data from previous studies, we estimated the sound pressure level and the noise-dose to which each user would be exposed according to their specific listening preferences. Results: Of 508 respondents, 12% exceeded the maximum noise exposure allowable by Chilean law. The factors that stronger correlated with risk levels were the intensity chosen by the user by (r =0.76), followed by cumulative weekly listening time (r =0.51) and in a weaker relation, by type of headset used (r =0.31) nevertheless none of supra-auricular hearing devices reached risk levels. Discussion: It’s estimated that in the next decade, music and recreational exposure will become the leading noise induced hearing loss source. One of each eight users exceeds maximum recommended levels. Risk factors analysis indicated that intervention strategies must focus on responsible listening by the user, lowering chosen-intensity, rather than selecting a specific type of player or earphone.