Spectral Profile Analysis and Speech-in-Noise Performance in Habitual Earphone Users with Normal Hearing

Habitual use of personal listening devices is an increasing source of recreational noise exposure and may lead to early auditory dysfunction despite normal hearing thresholds. This study examined spectral profile analysis and speech perception in noise in habitual earphone users and their association with listening habits.

Seventy-five young adults with normal audiometric hearing were classified as moderate-level earphone users, high-level earphone users, and nonusers. Participants underwent an audiological evaluation. Spectral profile analysis was performed at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 Hz to assess auditory stream segregation. Speech perception in noise was evaluated using the Quick Speech-in-Noise test to obtain signal-to-noise ratio at the 50% performance level (SNR50) values. Listening habits, including years of earphone use and average daily listening duration, were obtained through structured interviews and verified using real-ear measurements. Group differences and relationships between auditory measures and listening habits were analyzed.

High-users demonstrated significantly higher spectral profile analysis thresholds at 1 kHz than mod-users and nonusers ( P < 0.001), whereas lower frequencies showed no group differences. Both earphone user groups exhibited poorer speech-in-noise performance than non-users, with the greatest deficits observed in high users. Spectral profile thresholds at 1 kHz were positively correlated with SNR50 values ( P < 0.001). Longer listening duration and greater daily exposure were associated with poorer performance.

Habitual earphone use, particularly at higher listening levels, was associated with poorer speech-in-noise performance and elevated spectral profile analysis thresholds in young adults with normal hearing. Further longitudinal and physiological studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and clinical significance.