The Level Of Knowledge Of USU FK Students For Class Of 2017 Concerning The Dangers Of Noisy Exposure From The Use Of Earphones

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 127 views

The Level of Knowledge of USU FK Students for Class of 2017 Concerning the Dangers of Noisy Exposure from the Use of Earphones

Introduction

The widespread use of earphones has become a common phenomenon in today's society, with many people using them to listen to music, watch videos, and engage in other activities. However, behind the convenience offered by earphones lies a potential threat to our hearing health. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from earphones can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. In this article, we will discuss the level of knowledge of USU FK students for class of 2017 concerning the dangers of noisy exposure from the use of earphones.

Background

Earphones are electronic devices that convert electrical energy into sound waves, allowing users to listen to music, radio channels, and other sounds. With rapid technological advances, the use of earphones has become increasingly general. However, the convenience offered by earphones comes with a price. Noise exposure caused by the use of earphones for a long time can cause hearing loss, including the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL is a type of hearing loss that occurs when the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds.

The Importance of Knowledge about Earphone Use

Knowledge about the dangers of earphone use is crucial in preventing hearing loss. Medical students, as prospective health workers, are expected to have a deeper understanding of health problems, including the dangers of noise exposure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of knowledge of USU FK students for class of 2017 concerning the dangers of noisy exposure from the use of earphones.

Research Methods

This study used a descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to 100 students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (USU) using Consecutive Sampling techniques. The questionnaire was designed to explore student knowledge about the dangers of using earphones that can cause hearing loss.

Research Results

From the data analysis, it was found that 70% of students had good knowledge about the dangers of earphone use, while 28% had sufficient knowledge. These results indicate that the majority of students have sufficient understanding of the negative impacts that may be caused by excessive use of earphones.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The high percentage of students with good knowledge can be interpreted as a result of health education that has been carried out in the academic environment. Medical students, as prospective health workers, are expected to have deeper knowledge about health problems, including the dangers of noise exposure. Nevertheless, there are still 28% of students who have sufficient knowledge, which shows the existence of space to increase awareness of the negative impact of earphone use.

The Dangers of Noisy Exposure from Earphones

Exposure to loud sounds from earphones, especially when the volume of sound is too high and is used for a long time, can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. This can lead to hearing loss that is difficult to treat. Therefore, it is essential for educational institutions to further strengthen health counseling and make this an important material in the curriculum. In addition, students also need to be directed to be wiser in using earphones, such as regulating the volume and frequency of their use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that the majority of USU FK students for class of 2017 have good knowledge about the dangers of earphone use. However, there is still a need to increase awareness and knowledge about the negative impact of earphone use. Educational institutions should further strengthen health counseling and make this an important material in the curriculum. Students also need to be directed to be wiser in using earphones, such as regulating the volume and frequency of their use. By increasing awareness and knowledge, we can contribute to better hearing health for future generations.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Educational institutions should further strengthen health counseling and make this an important material in the curriculum.
Students should be directed to be wiser in using earphones, such as regulating the volume and frequency of their use.
Health education programs should be implemented to increase awareness and knowledge about the negative impact of earphone use.
Students should be encouraged to take preventive steps to protect their hearing health, such as using earplugs or earmuffs when engaging in loud activities.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was limited to 100 students, which may not be representative of the entire student population. Secondly, the questionnaire used may not have captured all the relevant information about student knowledge about earphone use. Finally, the study did not investigate the factors that contribute to student knowledge about earphone use.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the factors that contribute to student knowledge about earphone use. Additionally, studies should be conducted to explore the effectiveness of health education programs in increasing awareness and knowledge about the negative impact of earphone use. Furthermore, research should be conducted to investigate the impact of earphone use on hearing health in different populations, such as children and adolescents.

Conclusion

Q: What are the dangers of noisy exposure from earphones?

A: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from earphones can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. This can be a permanent condition that is difficult to treat.

Q: How loud is too loud?

A: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that sound levels should not exceed 85 decibels (dB) for extended periods of time. Prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85 dB can cause hearing loss.

Q: What are some common signs of hearing loss caused by earphone use?

A: Some common signs of hearing loss caused by earphone use include:

Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds
Feeling like you need to turn up the volume to hear sounds
Feeling like you have earwax buildup

Q: Can I prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use?

A: Yes, you can prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use by taking some simple precautions:

Use earplugs or earmuffs when engaging in loud activities
Turn down the volume on your earphones
Take regular breaks from listening to music or other sounds
Get your hearing checked regularly

Q: How can I protect my hearing health?

A: Here are some tips to protect your hearing health:

Use earplugs or earmuffs when engaging in loud activities
Turn down the volume on your earphones
Take regular breaks from listening to music or other sounds
Get your hearing checked regularly
Avoid using earphones in noisy environments
Use noise-cancelling earphones

Q: Can I still use earphones if I have hearing loss?

A: Yes, you can still use earphones if you have hearing loss, but you may need to take some precautions to protect your hearing health. Here are some tips:

Use earplugs or earmuffs when engaging in loud activities
Turn down the volume on your earphones
Take regular breaks from listening to music or other sounds
Get your hearing checked regularly
Consider using noise-cancelling earphones

Q: How can I get my hearing checked?

A: You can get your hearing checked by a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They will use specialized equipment to test your hearing and identify any potential problems.

Q: What are some common myths about earphone use and hearing loss?

A: Here are some common myths about earphone use and hearing loss:

Myth: Earphones are not loud enough to cause hearing loss.
Fact: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from earphones can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Myth: I can't hear anything wrong with my hearing.
Fact: Hearing loss can be gradual and may not be noticeable at first.
Myth: Earphones are only a problem for people who listen to music at high volumes.
Fact: Earphones can cause hearing loss even at moderate volumes.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about earphone use and hearing loss?

A: Here are some common misconceptions about earphone use and hearing loss:

Misconception: Earphones are not a significant risk factor for hearing loss.
Fact: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds from earphones can cause permanent damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
Misconception: I can't do anything to prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use.
Fact: You can take simple precautions to prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use, such as using earplugs or earmuffs, turning down the volume, and taking regular breaks.
Misconception: Earphones are only a problem for people who listen to music at high volumes.
Fact: Earphones can cause hearing loss even at moderate volumes.

Q: What are some common questions about earphone use and hearing loss?

A: Here are some common questions about earphone use and hearing loss:

Q: Can I still use earphones if I have hearing loss? A: Yes, you can still use earphones if you have hearing loss, but you may need to take some precautions to protect your hearing health.
Q: How can I prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use? A: You can prevent hearing loss caused by earphone use by taking simple precautions, such as using earplugs or earmuffs, turning down the volume, and taking regular breaks.
Q: Can I get my hearing checked at home? A: No, you should get your hearing checked by a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ENT specialist.
Q: What are some common signs of hearing loss caused by earphone use? A: Some common signs of hearing loss caused by earphone use include ringing or buzzing in the ears, difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, and feeling like you need to turn up the volume to hear sounds.