Hearing threshold level of Medical students and staff at Santa Clara de Asís University during the first semester of 2025

Abstract

Hearing is essential for verbal communication, and hearing is the only sense that never rests. 75% of the information we receive arrives through the ear, so early detection of hearing problems is crucial for language development. Hearing loss is a partial loss of hearing and can be unilateral or bilateral, making communication difficult. According to the WHO, more than one billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to the frequent use of hearing aids at high volumes. Constant use of hearing aids can not only cause hearing damage, but also stress and nervous system problems. It is essential to take preventive measures to maintain hearing health. The study was Descriptive, quantitative, non-experimental study, with probability sampling, in which 247 students/patients participated, who completed a questionnaire designed and validated for this purpose. The study included 247 participants. 58,7% were female, the mean age was 19 years, 57,48% had no hearing impairments, and 2,83% did. Thirty-four percent had unhealthy habits, and 11% were unaware of the consequences of these habits. It was found that although 89% of participants were aware of the risks of hearing loss, many still maintain harmful habits: 33,6% listen to loud music, 26,7% overuse headphones, and 23,8% use cotton swabs. Eighty-five percent believe they hear well, but 81,3% have never been tested. Education and annual screening are proposed to prevent hearing damage.