The Alarming Hearing Function of Students Using Earphones in the Shaffiyah Amaliyyah Educational Foundation High School

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

The Alarming Hearing Function of Students Using Earphones in the Shaffiyah Amaliyyah Educational Foundation High School

Introduction

In today's digital era, the use of earphones by adolescents has become increasingly common. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the Shaffiyah Amaliyyah Educational Foundation High School, where students often listen to music through earphones connected to music player devices. However, the increasing use of earphones has raised concerns related to hearing health, especially among adolescents. According to the Hearing Sense Health Survey conducted in seven provinces between 1994 to 1996, the prevalence of hearing loss in Indonesia reached 16.8%, with 0.4% of them experiencing deafness. This alarming rate of hearing loss highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the hearing function of students using earphones.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including deafness from birth, deafness due to noise, deafness inherited, and the accumulation of ear wax (cerumen). The sound threshold that is considered safe for hearing is 85 dB, with exposure of more than 8 hours per day. Unfortunately, the sound produced by earphones can reach 110 dB, which can potentially damage the hearing function. This is particularly concerning for adolescents, whose hearing is still developing and more susceptible to damage.

The Study

This study aims to describe the hearing function of students using earphones in the Shaffiyah Amaliyyah Educational Foundation High School. The study uses a descriptive approach with the cross-sectional method. A total of 63 samples were selected randomly and asked to fill out a questionnaire, followed by a hearing examination using several methods, including the Rinne Test, Schwabach Test, and Weber Test.

Results

The results of the study showed that there was a significant hearing loss in students who use earphones more than 3 hours per day. The most commonly used type of earphone is earbuds, which tend to be closer to the ear and have the potential to increase the intensity of the sound received. This finding highlights the need for students to be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of earphones and to take steps to protect their hearing.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The habit of listening to music through earphones, especially with high volume, can cause permanent damage to the hearing nerve. This study shows that students who are exposed to sound with high intensity in the long term have a greater risk of experiencing hearing loss. This underlines the importance of education regarding the use of safe earphones, including recommendations to maintain volumes below 60% of the maximum and limit the time of use.

It is essential for educational institutions to take preventive steps, such as holding a health seminar on hearing, which can provide knowledge to students about the negative effects of excessive use of earphones. In addition, parents also play an important role in monitoring the use of audio devices by their children. By working together, we can prevent more serious problems related to hearing loss in the future.

Conclusion

This research provides valuable insights on the impact of the use of earphones among adolescents, as well as emphasizing the need for awareness of hearing health to prevent more serious problems in the future. With the right precautions, students are expected to be able to enjoy music without sacrificing their hearing loss. It is essential for educational institutions, parents, and students to work together to promote hearing health and prevent hearing loss.

Recommendations

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

Educational institutions should hold health seminars on hearing to educate students about the negative effects of excessive use of earphones.
Parents should monitor the use of audio devices by their children and encourage them to use earphones safely.
Students should be aware of the potential risks associated with the use of earphones and take steps to protect their hearing.
The use of earphones should be limited to 3 hours per day, and volumes should be maintained below 60% of the maximum.
Regular hearing examinations should be conducted to detect any hearing loss early.

By implementing these recommendations, we can prevent more serious problems related to hearing loss in the future and promote hearing health among adolescents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Hearing Function of Students Using Earphones

Q: What is the main cause of hearing loss among students using earphones?

A: The main cause of hearing loss among students using earphones is the exposure to high-intensity sound, which can damage the hearing nerve. This is particularly concerning for adolescents, whose hearing is still developing and more susceptible to damage.

Q: What is the safe sound threshold for hearing?

A: The safe sound threshold for hearing is 85 dB, with exposure of more than 8 hours per day. However, the sound produced by earphones can reach 110 dB, which can potentially damage the hearing function.

Q: What type of earphone is most commonly used by students?

A: The most commonly used type of earphone is earbuds, which tend to be closer to the ear and have the potential to increase the intensity of the sound received.

Q: How long should students use earphones per day?

A: Students should limit their use of earphones to 3 hours per day, and volumes should be maintained below 60% of the maximum.

Q: What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

A: The symptoms of hearing loss can include difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, ringing in the ears, and feeling like the ears are plugged. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Q: Can hearing loss be prevented?

A: Yes, hearing loss can be prevented by taking steps to protect your hearing. This includes limiting the use of earphones, maintaining volumes below 60% of the maximum, and getting regular hearing examinations.

Q: What role do parents play in preventing hearing loss?

A: Parents play a crucial role in preventing hearing loss by monitoring the use of audio devices by their children and encouraging them to use earphones safely. Parents should also educate their children about the potential risks associated with the use of earphones and the importance of protecting their hearing.

Q: What can educational institutions do to prevent hearing loss?

A: Educational institutions can hold health seminars on hearing to educate students about the negative effects of excessive use of earphones. They can also provide resources and support for students who are experiencing hearing loss.

Q: How can students protect their hearing?

A: Students can protect their hearing by limiting their use of earphones, maintaining volumes below 60% of the maximum, and getting regular hearing examinations. They can also use earphones with built-in volume limiters and take regular breaks from listening to music.

Q: What are the consequences of ignoring hearing loss?

A: Ignoring hearing loss can lead to permanent damage to the hearing nerve, which can result in permanent hearing loss. It is essential to take hearing loss seriously and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms.

Q: How can I get a hearing examination?

A: You can get a hearing examination by consulting a healthcare professional, such as an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can assess your hearing and provide recommendations for protecting your hearing.

Q: What are the benefits of protecting my hearing?

A: Protecting your hearing can prevent permanent damage to the hearing nerve, which can result in permanent hearing loss. It can also improve your overall quality of life by allowing you to enjoy music and other sounds without worrying about damaging your hearing.