Spectral Profile Analysis and Speech-in-Noise Performance in Habitual Earphone Users with Normal Hearing

Habitual use of personal listening devices is an increasing source of recreational noise exposure and may lead to early auditory dysfunction despite normal hearing thresholds. This study examined spectral profile analysis and speech perception in noise in habitual earphone users and their association with listening habits.

Habitual earphone users with normal audiograms may show subclinical (below the detectable threshold) auditory dysfunction on speech-in-noise and spectral profile tests; audiologists should consider supplementary testing in this population, though prospective data confirming clinical benefit of early intervention are still needed.

Identifying hidden auditory dysfunction in earphone users with normal thresholds could prompt earlier preventive counselling and reshape how audiologists screen young adults for recreational noise exposure risk.

1. 01Habitual earphone users with normal pure-tone thresholds showed poorer speech-in-noise performance than non-habitual users.
2. 02Spectral profile analysis revealed subclinical auditory differences not captured by standard audiometry.
3. 03Findings support the concept of 'hidden hearing loss' from recreational noise exposure.
4. 04Study published in Noise & Health (DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_262_25).
5. 05Cross-sectional design; longitudinal data needed to confirm progression risk.

PMID

42085116

DOI

10.4103/nah.nah_262_25.

Journal

Noise & Health

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Population

Adults with normal hearing thresholds who are habitual earphone users, compared to non-habitual users

Intervention

Spectral profile analysis and speech-in-noise testing in habitual earphone users

Comparator

Non-habitual earphone users with normal hearing