ABSTRACT
This study assessed awareness of the health implications of persistent earpiece usage among undergraduates in University of Benin. In examining this work, four research questions were drawn. Relevant issues were examined and discussed. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study while a sample size of 120 respondents was obtained through the proportionate stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire after validation by the project supervisor and two other lecturers in the department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. Reliability of the instrument was ascertained through the split-half method after which a reliability coefficient of 0.724 was obtained.
The analyzed data indicates that there is a high rate of earpiece usage among undergraduates in University of Benin, there are significant dangers associated with persistent earpiece usage which includes auditory impairment, psychological separation from others, tinnitus which increases one's risk of experiencing depression, anxiety and dementia. Health implications of persistent earpiece usage are; ear infections, hyperacusis, dizziness, numbness in the ears, headache and sleep apnea, risk of heart disease amongst others.
Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; safety education should be taught at all levels and department, enlightenment campaigns should be organized to create awareness on the health implications of persistent earpiece usage, enactment of rules prohibiting the use of earpiece on the road.
