Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders

First Advisor

Myriam Kornisch

Second Advisor

Toshikazu Ikuta

Third Advisor

Hyejin Park

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

Purpose: Hearing loss among college students, specifically noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), appears to be increasing. This may be particularly challenging for this population as college students are required to listen to lectures in classrooms that may have sub-optimal listening environments. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in college students and (2) to emphasize the importance of detecting hearing loss at 6,000 Hz.Method: A meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA model. The literature search yielded 8 studies (1,950 subjects) that tested hearing loss using an audiogram and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). All studies used objective tests for hearing loss among college students between the ages of 17-35 years. Results: Results indicate that the prevalence of hearing loss in college students is 19%, and the prevalence of hearing loss at 6,000 Hz among students who have a hearing impairment is 85%. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, implementing a hearing conservation program may be advised for colleges and universities to help prevent hearing loss in students. In addition, it may be beneficial to test hearing in all college students at 6,000 Hz for better detection of hearing loss overall. Key Words: noise-notch, noise-induce hearing loss, tinnitus

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