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Kornisch M, Barton A, Park H, Lowe R, Ikuta T. Prevalence of hearing loss in college students: a meta-analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1282829. [PMID: 38249585 PMCID: PMC10796826 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1282829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hearing loss among college students, specifically noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), appears to be increasing. This may be particularly challenging for this population as college students are required to listen to lectures in classrooms that may have suboptimal listening environments. College-aged musicians are at a particularly high risk due to repeated and extended exposure to loud noise. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in college students and (2) to emphasize the importance of detecting hearing loss at 6,000 Hz. Methods A meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA model. The literature search yielded 8 studies (1,950 subjects) that tested hearing loss using an audiogram and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). All studies used audiologic tests to detect hearing loss among college students between the ages of 17-35 years. Results Results indicate that the prevalence of hearing loss in college students is 19%. In addition, the prevalence of hearing loss at 6,000 Hz is 85% among student musicians. For this meta-analysis, slight sensorineural hearing loss, or thresholds greater than 20 dB bilaterally or unilaterally, qualified as hearing loss. Discussion Decreased hearing at 6,000 Hz may lead to an individual's inability to hear important environmental factors and high frequency speech sounds. College students without full auditory function at this frequency may have difficulties performing in class based on decreased attention, comprehension, and memory. Although students may not realize the influence of their 6,000 Hz hearing loss or be unaware of its presence, it could significantly change their likelihood to succeed in college. Therefore, implementing a hearing conservation program may be advised for colleges and universities to help prevent hearing loss in students, particularly for collegiate musicians. In addition, it may be beneficial to screen hearing in college students at 6,000 Hz for better detection of hearing loss overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Kornisch
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States
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Gomes RF, Matas CG, Samelli AG. Dangerous Decibels Program in Elementary and Middle School Students: Effectiveness After a 6-Month Follow-Up. Am J Audiol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36972558 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-22-00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this article was to assess the effectiveness of the Dangerous Decibels (DD) program in students in the short- and medium-term follow-ups (up to 6 months), including an online game. METHOD A randomized trial was conducted between two interventions (DD and placebo). The research included 58 participants who were divided into two groups: the study group (SG) and the control group. The following phases were developed: intervention (DD or placebo), post-3-month assessment and availability of the online game, and post-6-month assessment. A questionnaire was administered to assess their performance. Overall total scores and category scores were obtained. RESULTS Improved overall scores were found in the SG in the immediate post-intervention (p = .004), post-3-month (p = .022), and post-6-month (p = .002) questionnaires, as well as the knowledge and behavior categories. CONCLUSIONS The DD program effectively improved the knowledge and behavior of 10- to 12-year-old children regarding noise in the short- and medium-term follow-ups. However, no significant changes were achieved in terms of barriers only by using the program and the online game. Adding a second intervention (the online game) to the program seems to be a good option to maintain the changes achieved with the interactive class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Fornaziero Gomes
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla Gentile Matas
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Giannella Samelli
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine (FMUSP), University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Bramati L, Marques JM, Gonçalves CGO, Welch D, Reddy R, Lacerda ABDM. Evaluation of the Dangerous Decibels Brazil Program in Workers Exposed to Noise. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:909972. [PMID: 35910338 PMCID: PMC9335485 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.909972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss can be avoided by taking preventive measures.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of the Brazilian version of the Dangerous Decibels® program for noise-exposed workers, using the ecological model as an educational intervention plan.MethodNon-randomized interventional study with a quantitative, experimental trial design, conducted at a meatpacking company. The participants were divided into two groups—the first one (n = 132, divided into 6 subgroups) received the Dangerous Decibels® Brazil educational intervention (DDBEI) adapted to workers while the second group (n = 138, divided into 5 subgroups) received a conventional educational intervention (CEI). The interventions lasted 50 min. The Hearing Protection Assessment Questionnaire (HPA-5) was administered before and after the interventions. The five dimensions (attitude, behavior, knowledge, supports, and barriers) were compared using the Student’s t-test for paired data (<0.05).ResultsAfter both the DDBEI and CEI training, workers improved significantly in barriers, supports, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior around noise. By chance, the CEI group scored lower in all measures than the DDBEI group before training, and though both groups improved, the difference was maintained after training.ConclusionThe Brazilian version of the Dangerous Decibels® program for noise-exposed workers was effective, influencing positively the factors at different levels of the ecological model. Though the DDBEI was no more effective than the CEI, the CEI participants began at much lower levels, so the effectiveness of the DDBEI may have been underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Bramati
- Program in Communication Disorders, Tuiuti University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Jair Mendes Marques
- Program in Communication Disorders, Tuiuti University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - David Welch
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ravi Reddy
- Occupational Safety and Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adriana Bender de Moreira Lacerda
- School of Speech Therapy and Audiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Adriana Bender de Moreira Lacerda,
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Byeon H. Associations between adolescents' earphone usage in noisy environments, hearing loss, and self-reported hearing problems in a nationally representative sample of South Korean middle and high school students. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24056. [PMID: 33546006 PMCID: PMC7837842 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Few epidemiological studies have examined the relationship between earphone usage and hearing loss in adolescents. This study identified the prevalence of hearing loss in South Korean adolescents using representative national survey data and evaluated the relationship between earphone usage in a noisy environment and hearing loss. This study analyzed 532 subjects (12-19 years) who participated in a 2012 national survey and completed health and noise environment exposure questionnaires and pure tone audiometry (PTA) test. Hearing loss was defined as an average hearing threshold of 26 Decibel-A (dBA) or higher in PTA. The relationship between earphone usage and hearing loss was analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression model. Adolescents who were exposed to high noise levels via headphones in a noisy environment had a hearing loss prevalence of 22.6% and adolescents who used earphones 80 minutes or more per day on average had the hearing loss prevalence of 22.3%. The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that adolescents who used earphones in a noisy environment had a 4.5-fold higher risk of hearing loss and an 8.4 times higher risk of having a subjective hearing problem than those who did not use earphones (prevalence odds ratio (pOR) = 4.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-15.24; pOR = 8.39, 95% CI: 1.12-62.83, respectively). Additionally, adolescents who used earphones more than 80 minutes per day in a noisy environment had a 4.7 times higher risk of hearing loss than those who used them less than 80 minutes per day (pOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.08-20.22). Longitudinal studies are needed to provide evidence of causality between earphone usage and hearing loss.
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Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus-New Research Developments and Remaining Gaps in Disease Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100732. [PMID: 33066210 PMCID: PMC7602100 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term noise exposure often results in noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Tinnitus, the generation of phantom sounds, can also result from noise exposure, although understanding of its underlying mechanisms are limited. Recent studies, however, are shedding light on the neural processes involved in NIHL and tinnitus, leading to potential new and innovative treatments. This review focuses on the assessment of NIHL, available treatments, and development of new pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments based on recent studies of central auditory plasticity and adaptive changes in hearing. We discuss the mechanisms and maladaptive plasticity of NIHL, neuronal aspects of tinnitus triggers, and mechanisms such as tinnitus-associated neural changes at the cochlear nucleus underlying the generation of tinnitus after noise-induced deafferentation. We include observations from recent studies, including our own studies on associated risks and emerging treatments for tinnitus. Increasing knowledge of neural plasticity and adaptive changes in the central auditory system suggest that NIHL is preventable and transient abnormalities may be reversable, although ongoing research in assessment and early detection of hearing difficulties is still urgently needed. Since no treatment can yet reverse noise-related damage completely, preventative strategies and increased awareness of hearing health are essential.
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Gupta A, Gupta A, Jain K, Gupta S. Noise Pollution and Impact on Children Health. Indian J Pediatr 2018; 85:300-306. [PMID: 29313308 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-017-2579-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
With rapid urbanization and life style changes, loud noise is omnipresent and has become a part of life. Indoor and outdoor environmental noise pollution have been documented as a serious health hazard with increasing adverse effects on fetus, infants, children, adolescents and adults. Noise induced hearing loss and non-auditory adverse effects due to noise pollution, are being increasingly diagnosed in all age groups including the fetus. Outdated motorized vehicles, machinery, increasing traffic, congested residential areas, crowded educational institutions and workplaces, unregulated commercial and industrial noise have become a source of noise pollution with long-term disability. Areas of noise pollution must be identified and corrective measures be taken. Toys, personal, domestic, commercial, industrial equipment should be within the safe sound intensity. Loudspeakers and vehicular horns should be banned except in emergencies. Nocturnal noise pollution must be avoided near residential areas as sleep disturbances have serious long-term health consequences. Pregnant women, fetus, newborns, infants and children are most susceptible to noise induced health hazards and should be given utmost protection. Educational institutions, workplaces, commercial and industrial areas should be regularly monitored for noise levels and protective ear muffs and plugs be used. Public be educated repeatedly regarding health hazards of noise. Traffic noise should be regulated to be within safe limits. Bus-stands, railway stations and airports should be moved away from residential areas. Houses should be sound proofed suitably. Long term studies should be conducted in pregnant women, newborn children and adults to have more data on hazards of noise pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Gupta
- Pediatric Specialties Clinic, Mansarovar Polyclinic, Agarwal Farm, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302 020, India.
| | - Anant Gupta
- Department of Gastroenterology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Khushbu Jain
- Department of Pathology, Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Center, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sweta Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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Hunter A. “There are more important things to worry about”: attitudes and behaviours towards leisure noise and use of hearing protection in young adults. Int J Audiol 2018; 57:449-456. [DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2018.1430383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abby Hunter
- Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK,
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham, UK, and
- Otology and Hearing Group, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Martin WH, Sobel JL, Griest SE, Howarth LC, Becker TM. Program Sustainability: Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Prevention in American Indian Communities. Am J Prev Med 2017; 52:S268-S270. [PMID: 28215378 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An important goal of any health promotion effort is to have it maintained in delivery and effectiveness over time. The purpose of this study was to establish a community-based noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus prevention program in three different types of American Indian communities and evaluate them for evidence of long-term sustainability. METHODS The target population was fourth- and fifth-grade students from three different models of American Indian communities. The evidenced-based Dangerous Decibels® program was adapted to include local media, classroom education, family and community outreach, and web-based activities. Sustainability was attempted by promoting funding stability, political support, partnerships, organizational capacity, program adaptation, program evaluation, communications, public health impacts, and strategic planning. RESULTS Currently, there is evidence suggesting that the hearing health promotion program is self-sustaining in all three American Indian communities. The intervention was effective at changing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors in the target population, but program adoption and self-sustenance faced challenges that required patience, persistence, and creativity by the program team. Components of the intervention continue to be delivered by local members of each community. CONCLUSIONS Critical factors that led to self-sustaining programs included approval of community leaders and engagement of community members in the design, administration, and evaluation of the effort; use of a well-developed, evidence-based intervention; and high-level training of local participants who could confidently and effectively continue delivering the program following a gradual transition to independence.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hal Martin
- Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon; Department of Otolaryngology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Judith L Sobel
- Portland State University School of Community Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Susan E Griest
- Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon; National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS), Portland, Oregon;; Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Linda C Howarth
- Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon
| | - Thomas M Becker
- Oregon Health and Science University, Center for Healthy Communities, School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon
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Reddy R, Welch D, Ameratunga S, Thorne P. An ecological approach to hearing-health promotion in workplaces. Int J Audiol 2017; 56:316-327. [PMID: 28079408 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2016.1271467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and assess use, acceptability and feasibility of an ecological hearing conservation programme for workplaces. DESIGN A school-based public health hearing preservation education programme (Dangerous Decibels®) was adapted for workplaces using the Multi-level Approach to Community Health (MATCH) Model. The programme was delivered in small manufacturing companies and evaluated using a questionnaire before the training and at one week and two-months after training. STUDY SAMPLE Workers (n = 56) from five small manufacturing companies were recruited. RESULTS There was a significant improvement in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of workers at the intrapersonal level; in behaviour motivation and safety culture at the interpersonal and organisational levels; and an overall improvement in hearing-health behaviour after two months post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS The developed programme offers a simple, interactive and theory-based intervention that is well accepted and effective in promoting positive hearing-health behaviour in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Reddy
- a Section of Audiology , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand and
| | - David Welch
- a Section of Audiology , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand and
| | - Shanthi Ameratunga
- b Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - Peter Thorne
- a Section of Audiology , University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand and
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Knobel KAB, Lima MCPM. Effectiveness of the Brazilian version of the Dangerous Decibels®educational program. Int J Audiol 2014; 53 Suppl 2:S35-42. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.857794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Martin WH, Griest SE, Sobel JL, Howarth LC. Randomized trial of four noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus prevention interventions for children. Int J Audiol 2013; 52 Suppl 1:S41-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2012.743048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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