Knowledge, perception, and risk behaviours associated with earbud use among university undergraduates in Ibadan, Nigeria: implications for hearing health promotion

Abstract

The widespread use of earbuds among young adults presents public health concerns, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), tinnitus, ear infections, and accidents due to reduced environmental awareness. This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and risk behaviours related to earbud use among undergraduates at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and examined the sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 416 undergraduates using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression at α=0.05. Respondents' mean age was 21.0±3.0 years, and 51.2% were male. Overall, 59.4% had poor knowledge of the health implications of earbud use. Two thirds (66.3%) could not describe NIHL, and 55.8% did not know the WHO safe listening limit of 80 dB, whereas 85.8% correctly identified sharing earbuds as the main infection risk. Unsafe practices were common: 40.6% used earbuds daily, 20.0% at high volume, and 36.5% while crossing roads. Knowledge was significantly associated with religion (p=0.018) and faculty (p<0.001). After adjustment, students in Dentistry (AOR=7.93), Veterinary Medicine (AOR=4.04) and Education (AOR=2.79) had higher odds of good knowledge than those in Basic Clinical Sciences, and Muslim students had lower odds than Christian students (AOR=0.56). Knowledge category was not significantly associated with perception category (p=0.133), although the continuous scores were weakly correlated (rho=0.17). Education that goes beyond basic facts about NIHL and safe listening limits, and that takes account of differences between faculties, is needed.