Background: Hearing is the ability to perceive sounds. Usually, the range is known to be between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz (Hertz). Loss in ability to detect sound levels in the natural spectrum of hearing is referred to as hearing disability. Tinnitus, originally defined as the experience of a sound not connected to an external source of sound stimulus.,It is known to be complex, reflecting developments in the cochleovestibular system and brain function. Vertigo has been described as the sense of motion when no motion occurs. In spite of wide prevalence of audiovestibular complaints worldwide, it has not been studied before in Upper Egypt, and in South Valley University particularly.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to screen the prevalence of the audio-vestibular symptoms i.e. hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo among the students of South Valley University.
Patients and methods: the study was simple cross-sectional study screening male and female students of South Valley University's colleges, aged from 18 to 24 years, during the period sinceJanuary 2020 up to the mid of march 2020 (n=1040). Through a questionnaire consists of 10 clear yes or no questions without any personal data.
Results: The frequency of audio-vestibular symptoms in females 62% was more than males38%. 24% of screened candidates shows tinnitus with female predominance 61%. The percentage of vertigo in included students in our study was 31%.
Conclusion: Audio-vestibular symptoms are affecting a considerable percent of university students and need a more concentrated study.