The Effects of Personal Listening Device on Postural Stability Among Healthy Adolescents and Young Adult: A Pilot Study.

Objective: The effect of noise on the postural control process is of ongoing interest. This exploratory study aims to determine the effect of personal listening devices (PLD) on postural stability among adolescents and young adults.

Methods: Participants aged between 13 and 25 with a history of PLD usage were included. The study was carried out in two parts. The first part involved determining the PLD listening level and the preferred sound level. In the second part, postural stability was assessed using the modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction in Balance (mCTSIB) and dynamic postural stability.

Results: 64 participants were recruited with a mean age of 18.78 (SD: 3.11). The majority were female (62.5%) and of Chinese ethnicity (38.1%). The reported mean PLD listening level and preferred volume levels were 57.50 dB (SD: 6.15) and 46.48% (SD: 15.98), respectively. Male PLD users had higher listening levels and preferred volume levels. Adolescents were found to have a higher listening level than young adults. Female PLD users revealed a higher sway and postural stability index than male PLD users. Young adults were found to have a higher sway and postural stability index. Statistical significance is demonstrated between the age of PLD users and mCTSIB sway index (coef: 0.367; p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The current study suggests that the younger generation is susceptible to postural instability following PLD exposure. Yet, the provided data is inadequate to draw a conclusion, and future randomised controlled studies with large sample sizes are warranted.