Relationship Between Personal Audio System Use and Tinnitus Among Medical Students

Abstract

Personal Audio Systems (PAS) have become increasingly prevalent, particularly among younger populations, due to their affordability and ease of use—reaching a usage prevalence of up to 95% in some groups. Despite their popularity, concerns have arisen regarding the potential risks associated with prolonged and improper use, including extended duration, high frequency, and excessive volume levels. Chronic exposure to such conditions may lead to reduced hearing sensitivity and the onset of tinnitus. This study aimed to examine the usage patterns of PAS and their association with tinnitus occurrence and severity among pre-clinical medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Christian University of Indonesia, Classes of 2023–2024. A cross-sectional analytical observational design was employed. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire distributed through Google Forms, using consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria included active pre-clinical students using PAS without a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ear infections, or tumours, and who consented to participate. Two instruments were used: the PAS Usage Pattern Questionnaire (PPPAS) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) to assess tinnitus severity. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test, normality testing, and Spearman correlation using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. Among 200 respondents, 58.5% demonstrated risky PAS usage patterns. According to THI results, 71% reported no handicap, while 29% experienced varying levels of tinnitus severity, which is 10,5% reported mild handicap, 7% moderate handicap, 6,5% severe handicap, dan 5% catastrophic handicap.  A significant relationship was found between PAS usage patterns and the presence of tinnitus symptoms (p = 0.025). The findings suggest that risky use of Personal Audio Systems is associated with an increased risk of tinnitus among medical students.