An exploration of lifestyle induced hearing loss risk and hearing acquity among normal hearing individuals

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between auditory thresholds and Lifestyle Induced Hearing Loss Risk Questionnaire (LIHLRQ). In this study 60 participants in the age range of 19 to 27 years (mean age = 21.59 years, SD = 1.50) with normal hearing sensitivity were categorized in three hearing loss risk groups (no risk, mild risk and moderate risk) based on LIHLRQ scores. The auditory profile at low frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA) and extended high frequency pure-tone average (EHFPTA) of the participants in the three risk groups were compared with respective LIHLRQ scores. Kruskal-Wallis test findings indicated that there were significant differences across the three groups based on LIHLRQ scores. One way ANOVA test revealed that the LFPTA- Right ear was lowest for the participant categorized under ‘no risk group. Further, the thresholds were highest for the group of participants with moderate risk. Similar trend was also noted for Low frequency PTA-Left ear. No significant differences were seen with respect to extended high frequency PTA among the three groups. The present study shows that there is a significant difference in LIHLRQ scores among participants with no risk, mild risk and moderate risk for hearing loss. It also shows that there exist a significant difference in Low frequency pure tone average of individuals with no risk for hearing loss and individuals with risk for hearing loss. Hence it can be concluded that LIHLRQ scores provide early indications of changes in hearing thresholds.