KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Yahia Abdelgawad Elsayed Elboraei*, Wasan Ghathwan A Alanazi, Rahaf Khalid Alobaidan, Reem Saud J Alanazi, Dalia Aqeel J Alanazi, Raghad Salman M Alanazi and Reem Mahmoud R Alaqabawi

Background: The phrase "noise-induced hearing loss" (NIHL) describes a type of sensorineural hearing impairment caused by either sudden loud sounds or extended exposure to high noise levels. Exposure to loud noises can result in lasting alterations to hearing sensitivity due to irreversible harm to the inner ear. Several risk factors influence the occurrence of NIHL, including individual characteristics like genetic predisposition, age, gender, and lifestyle choices, as well as noise-related factors such as duration of exposure, sound levels, and frequency.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to noise-induced hearing loss among adolescents in Saudi Arabia using a validated scored data collection tool. Method: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct were systematically searched for relevant literature. Rayyan QRCI was employed throughout this comprehensive process.

Results: Variable results have been shown by each study. Most of them have shown fair level of knowledge regarding NIHL, others have shown poor level of knowledge. The favourable outlook of individuals towards changing their lifestyle indicates a necessity for awareness campaigns about NIHL to enhance societal education levels. We suggest that future research should investigate the impact of occupation on NIHL.

Conclusion: this study has identified a significant occurrence of hearing loss within Saudi society. A majority of participants recognized that such hearing concerns could be prevented. Nevertheless, many were not informed about the minimum exposure time to noise or sound, or the intensity of sound that could result in hearing impairment. Keywords: Noise-induced hearing loss, Adolescents, Knowledge-attitude-practice, Saudi Arabia, Hearing loss prevention, Public health education.