Ear Symptoms and Earphone Usage: A Web-Based Survey Study
- Author:
Ga-Young KIM
1
;
Mini JO
;
Young Sang CHO
;
Il Joon MOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Audiology & Otology 2025;29(2):103-109
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background and Objectives:This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of earphone use on the occurrence of otitis externa (OE) by conducting a survey.
Subjects and Methods:This study included 517 participants. The questionnaire comprised 22 items divided into three categories; general information, earphone use, and OE. The questionnaire was designed using Google Forms and distributed through a notice posted on a hospital bulletin board. This notice included a QR code that enabled any interested individual to participate, and the responses were collected automatically.
Results:The proportion of respondents who had experienced OE at least once was 21%. Among them, 33.7% experienced OE within the preceding month. For “adhering to the recommendation usage time,” individuals who responded “likely” had a 0.440 (odds ratio=0.440, 95% confidence interval=0.195-0.993) times higher likelihood; they were at lower risk of experiencing OE compared to those who responded “very unlikely.”
Conclusions:Our findings suggest that proper earphone use can reduce the risk of OE. Despite the lack of a significant relationship between earphone type, physical activity, and cleaning practices, continued adherence to these factors is recommended to prevent OE.
