Physiological aspects of presbycusis onset in university students depending on lifestyle and upper respiratory conditions: rehabilitation and prevention

Aim. The authors aim to identify individual etiological mechanisms and physiological features of early-onset presbycusis in university students and make a review of its prognosis, rehabilitation, and prevention. Materials and methods. The study involved 171 2-5-year students of the medical and pediatric faculties (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, South Ural State Medical University). Students were surveyed in 2021/2022 academic year. All students provided their informed consent for examination and treatment. Students were surveyed, auditory and vestibular monitoring was performed, risk factors for hearing loss were identified, and the age of onset was evaluated with respect to regulatory documents. Results. The comparative analysis of early-onset predictors and the data of auditory and vestibular monitoring showed the following: frequent headphone/mobile phone use - 123 subjects (72%); ear diseases - 71 subjects (42%); pathological conditions of the upper respiratory tract with auditory tube dysfunction - 62 subjects (36%). The mean age of onset of presbycusis was 21-23 years. Conclusion. Explaining the need for careful consideration of ear-related problems and regular use of the exercises proposed allows monitoring the physiological status of the cochleovestibular system and preventing early presbycusis.