Résumé

Introduction:The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hearing disorders among students using smartphones at the University of Parakou in 2021. Methodology:This was a cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. The cluster sampling technique validated by WHO was used. Data collection was carried out from April to June 2021, using an individual questionnaire. An otological clinical examination and a preliminary pure tone audiometry were performed for each student included. Results:A total of 450 students were collected. The mean age was 20.86 years +- 2.86 and the sex ratio was 1.78. The prevalence of functional hearing disorders was 40.89%. Tinnitus and perceived hearing loss affected 184 (40.89%) and 150 (33.33%) students respectively. The majority of students (72%) had less than one hour of listening time per day on the smartphone. A proportion of 66.44% of students preferred moderate listening intensity when they did not use listening devices with the smartphone. Regarding listening devices (earphones, headphones), the study found that 438 students surveyed, or 97.33%, had used them with their smartphone. A proportion of 71.69% preferred in-ear earphones; 70.78% preferred moderate listening intensity. In terms of preliminary pure tone audiometry, 445 students (99.11%) presented normal hearing and 05 (1.11%) had sensorineural hearing loss of variable degree. Factors associated with tinnitus were total daily call duration on the GSM mobile network between 2 and 3 hours (OR=3.45; 95% CI = 1.14-8.19; p=0.026), high sound intensity without listening devices (OR= 1.96; 95% CI = 1.24-3.10; p=0.004) and low sound intensity with a listening device (OR= 1.80; 95% CI = 1.04-3.10; p=0.035). Conclusion:Prolonged use of smartphones at high sound intensity may cause hearing disorders, especially tinnitus.

Mot-clés :

Smartphone, Hearing Disorders, Tinnitus, Audiometry, Parakou