INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH CULTURE SOCIETY

Abstract: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage during which unhealthy lifestyle practices may adversely affect long-term health outcomes. Excessive and unsafe headphone use among adolescents has become common due to increased exposure to social media, digital entertainment, and peer influence. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceived impact of long-term headphone use on hearing ability among adolescents in a selected Arts and Science College in Puducherry. A descriptive research design was adopted, and 500 adolescents aged 17–19 years who regularly used headphones were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and the Hearing Handicap Inventory Screening Version. The findings revealed that 81.4% of adolescents had moderate knowledge, 14.6% had adequate knowledge, and 4% had inadequate knowledge regarding the effects of long-term headphone use. Regarding hearing impact, 76.8% had no hearing handicap, while 22.6% experienced mild to moderate hearing handicap and 0.6% had significant hearing handicap. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between knowledge and variables such as age, gender, features used, duration of use, preferred volume, listening environment, and use of earphones during sleep (p<0.05). The study highlights the need for awareness programs to promote safe listening habits among adolescents. Early education regarding appropriate headphone use may help in preventing hearing-related problems and improving adolescent health outcomes.