Nasser Y Al-ozaib ¹*, Yasser N Al-ozaib ², Mohamed Y. Al-Mahbashi ¹ and Mohammed M Alhouthi³

¹Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Yemen
²ENT Resident at Althawrah Teaching Hospital, Sana'a University, Yemen
³Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Amran University, Yemen

*Corresponding Author: Nasser Y Al-Ozaib, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana’a University, Yemen.

Received: November 01, 2023; Published: July 04, 2024

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common condition that can result from exposure to loud noise, including the use of earphones.

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the awareness of NIHL and its relation to the use of earphones among adults.

Methods: An online questionnaire to assess the awareness of NIHL, risk factors, symptoms and practice was used. The questionnaire also included questions about the use of earphones and exposure to loud noise.

Results: A total of 327 individuals were surveyed and the results showed that 70.3% of participants identified work-related noise as a risk factor for NIHL, while 58.4% identified the use of earphones as a risk factor. Tinnitus was a common symptom reported by 69.4% of participants, and 41.3% reported that people occasionally complained that they spoke too noisily. Most participants were aware that high sound degrees and staying in a noisy setting could lead to hearing impairments, but a considerable number did not understand the minimum duration or level that can adversely affect hearing capability.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is a need for increased awareness and education on the risks of NIHL and the proper use of earphones to prevent hearing loss among adults. The study highlights the importance of understanding the risk factors and symptoms of NIHL and taking appropriate measures to protect hearing.

Keywords: NIHL; Yemen; Awareness; Noise Induced Hearing Loss; Sana'a

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Citation

Citation: Nasser Y Al-ozaib., et al. “Public Awareness of Sana'a City Residents Toward Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and the Relation to the Use of Earphones".Acta Scientific Otolaryngology 6.8 (2024): 03-10.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2024 Nasser Y Al-ozaib., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.