Abstract
BACKGROUND: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in children is a growing public health concern due to increased exposure to high noise levels in various environments. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term developmental and social impacts. This study evaluates the effectiveness of earmuffs as a protective intervention in managing NIHL in children. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving 120 paediatric patients aged 5-12 years diagnosed with NIHL. Patients were divided into an intervention group (n = 60), who received standard treatment plus earmuffs, and a control group (n = 60), who received standard treatment only. Pure-tone audiometry tests were used to assess hearing thresholds at baseline and post-intervention. Family satisfaction was also assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Hearing thresholds substantially improved in the intervention group compared with those in the control group. After the intervention, hearing thresholds in the intervention group reduced by 7.31 decibels (dB) at 500 Hertz (Hz), 6.73 dB at 1000 Hz, 6.66 dB at 2000 Hz and 6.92 dB at 4000 Hz (P < 0.05). In the control group, reductions were 3.74, 3.72, 3.64 and 3.80 dB, respectively (P < 0.05). Family satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group, with 91.7% expressing satisfaction, compared with 65.0% in the control group (P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of earmuffs in preventing NIHL in children, showing improvements in hearing thresholds and increased family satisfaction. These findings suggest that earmuffs could be beneficial as part of standard preventive measures for paediatric patients exposed to high noise levels and highlight their potential practical and clinical value.