This scientific research, conducted by and for the students, has shown the extent of intensive use of high-powered headphones among young people and aims to determine the auditory age of our students to foresee future problems. Our aims were: to assess the link between headphone use and hearing age, to compare hearing and biological age in students aged 12 to 18 years, and to investigate differences in these relationships based on gender. To obtain a representative population of the school, a sample of 219 students (half girls and half boys) was selected out of a total of 700, with a margin of error of 5 % and a confidence interval of 95 %.
The study shows that the hearing age of secondary-school students is significantly older than their biological age at all educational levels. The hearing age of students aged between 12 and 18 years was between 20 and 25 years. Moreover, while boys wear their headphones for longer, hearing loss is more pronounced in girls, so their ears deteriorate more easily Furthermore, those who wear headphones for longer periods have premature hearing ageing and a decreased ability to perceive high frequencies.
These findings stress the urgent need to adopt healthy practices in the use of headphones, by respecting recommended volume limits and reducing exposure time to prevent hearing damage. The study also highlights the significance of educational campaigns targeting users and those conducted in educational centres. It is crucial to raise awareness of these risks and to adapt preventive measures according to gender differences.
2024 FIAPAS Award Finalist
Reference: Martínez Ruiz, R. & León Rodríguez, E. (2024): How old are your ears?. Special Supplement, No.184
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