ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TRUE WIRELESS STEREO (TWS) USAGE HABITS AND EAR HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AT BAITURRAHMAH UNIVERSITY

Novia Fitriani; Irwan Triansyah; Irdawaty Izrul; Yanti Fitri Yasa

doi:10.59003/nhj.v6i2.2238

Authors

Novia Fitriani Universitas Baiturrahmah
Irwan Triansyah Universitas Baiturrahmah
Irdawaty Izrul Universitas Baiturrahmah
Yanti Fitri Yasa Universitas Baiturrahmah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59003/nhj.v6i2.2238

Keywords:

True Wireless Stereo; Personal Listening Devices; Ear Health; Hearing Problems; Medical Students; Safe Listening; Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing use of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on auditory health, particularly among young adults. Prolonged exposure to high-volume audio through personal listening devices may not produce immediate symptoms; however, continuous and long-term use has been associated with progressive hearing impairment and other ear-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the association between TWS usage habits and ear health problems among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Baiturrahmah University. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among active undergraduate medical students enrolled between 2022 and 2024. Forty-six participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing TWS usage habits, including duration of ownership, frequency of use, daily listening duration, and listening volume, as well as self-reported ear health problems. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with statistical analyses conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants were female and primarily used TWS earphones. Ear itching was the most frequently reported symptom. Significant associations were observed between ear health problems and the duration of TWS ownership (p = 0.009), frequency of TWS use (p = 0.008), daily listening duration (p = 0.023), and listening volume (p = 0.032). Although most respondents reported experiencing ear health problems only occasionally or rarely, prolonged and frequent TWS use at higher listening volumes was associated with an increased prevalence of ear-related complaints. Conclusion: TWS usage habits, including prolonged duration of use, frequent use, extended daily listening time, and higher listening volume, were significantly associated with self-reported ear health problems among medical students at Baiturrahmah University.

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