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[The professional ear user-implications for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ear diseases]. HNO 2022; 70:891-902. [PMID: 36269381 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-022-01235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfect hearing is crucial to the practice of various professions, such as instrument makers, musicians, sound engineers, and other professions not related to music, such as sonar technicians. For people of these occupational groups, we propose the term "professional ear user" (PEU) in analogy to "professional voice user". PEUs have special requirements for their hearing health, as they have well-known above-average auditory perceptual abilities on which they are professionally dependent. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize selected aspects of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of ear disorders in PEUs. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Prevention of hearing disorders and other ear diseases includes protection from excessive sound levels, avoidance of ototoxins and nicotine, and a safe manner of cleaning the outer auditory canal. Diagnosing hearing disorders in PEUs can be challenging, since subclinical but relevant changes in hearing cannot be reliably objectified by conventional audiometric methods. Moreover, the fact that a PEU is affected by an ear disease may influence treatment decisions. Further, physicians must be vigilant for non-organic ear diseases in PEUs. Lastly, measures to promote comprehensive ear health in PEUs as part of an educational program and to maintain ear health by means of a specialized otolaryngology service are discussed. In contrast to existing concepts, we lay the attention on the entirety of occupational groups that are specifically dependent on their ear health in a professional setting. In this context, we suggest avoiding a sole focus on hearing disorders and their prevention, but rather encourage the maintenance of a comprehensive ear health.
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Choi HG, Hong SK, Lee HJ, Chang J. Acute Alcohol Intake Deteriorates Hearing Thresholds and Speech Perception in Noise. Audiol Neurootol 2020; 26:218-225. [PMID: 33341812 DOI: 10.1159/000510694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The hearing process involves complex peripheral and central auditory pathways and could be influenced by various situations or medications. To date, there is very little known about the effects of alcohol on the auditory performances. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate how acute alcohol administration affects various aspects of hearing performance in human subjects, from the auditory perceptive threshold to the speech-in-noise task, which is cognitively demanding. METHODS A total of 43 healthy volunteers were recruited, and each of the participants received calculated amounts of alcohol according to their body weight and sex with a targeted blood alcohol content level of 0.05% using the Widmark formula. Hearing was tested in alcohol-free conditions (no alcohol intake within the previous 24 h) and acute alcohol conditions. A test battery composed of pure-tone audiometry, speech reception threshold (SRT), word recognition score (WRS), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), gaps-in-noise (GIN) test, and Korean matrix sentence test (testing speech perception in noise) was performed in the 2 conditions. RESULTS Acute alcohol intake elevated pure-tone hearing thresholds and SRT but did not affect WRS. Both otoacoustic emissions recorded with DPOAE and the temporal resolution measured with the GIN test were not influenced by alcohol intake. The hearing performance in a noisy environment in both easy (-2 dB signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]) and difficult (-8 dB SNR) conditions was decreased by alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Acute alcohol elevated auditory perceptive thresholds and affected performance in complex and difficult auditory tasks rather than simple tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Geun Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences for Convergence Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kwang Hong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences for Convergence Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, .,Laboratory of Brain & Cognitive Sciences for Convergence Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea,
| | - Jiwon Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Risk Factors for Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions in Young Adults. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/app9081608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young adults with normal hearing may exhibit risk factors for hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how self-reported personal music (PM) system volume use, preferred listening level, and self-reported alcohol use affects distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Two-hundred, sixteen young adults, 161 women and 55 men, participated. Questionnaire data included the PM system and alcohol use. DPOAEs were obtained from 1–6 kHz and collapsed into 1/3rd octave bands and a probe microphone was used to determine preferred listening level. Alcohol was defined as drinks per month (DPM), categorized as No, Light (≤14), and Heavy (>14). Men who reported loud/very loud volume use had statistically significant lower DPOAEs at 1.5, 2, and 3 kHz than men who reported lower volume use. Light and Heavy DPM men had lower DPOAEs at 1.5, 2, and 3 kHz than no DPM men, but this was not statistically significant. There were no DPOAE differences for either variable in women and there was no association between preferred listening level and DPOAEs for women or men. Men who reported loud/very loud volume use and any DPM had poorer mid-frequency DPOAEs. There was not an association for volume use or DPM and DPOAEs in women.
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Cevik C, Ozler GS, Arli C, Tatar I, Sargon MF, Zeren C, Yonden Z, Akoglu E. Electron microscopic examination of effects of bogma raki and walnut on cochlea: an experimental study. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014; 34:266-71. [PMID: 24925365 DOI: 10.1177/0960327114537323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Illegal alcohol beverages known as bogma raki in our country are consumed widely in our region. The studies investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption and hearing ability report different results. In this study, we aimed to investigate the toxic effects of bogma raki that contains neurotoxic substances on cochlea by electron microscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in the literature. A total of 48 Wistar male albino rats (aged 12-16 weeks and weighing 200-240 g) were used in the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups with 12 animals in each group. The groups include control, bogma raki, walnut, and walnut + bogma raki groups. Bogma raki (30% v/v, 9.2 ml kg(-1) day(-1)) is added to drinking water of rats in bogma raki group (n = 12) for 4 weeks. Walnut group rats (n = 12) are fed with standard rat food and walnut without limitation (10 g kg(-1) day(-1)). Bogma raki + walnut group rats (n = 12) are fed with standard rat food and walnut and bogma raki is added to drinking water. The cochleas were dissected and removed en bloc and examined by electron microscopy. Perineuronal oedema around neurons of spiral ganglion and hairy cells of organ of Corti were present in the bogma raki group, walnut group and bogma raki + walnut group under electron microscopic examination. Comparing these three groups, there were no differences in the ultrastructural pathological changes. In the ultrastructural examination of the myelinated axons forming cochlear nerve, no ultrastructural pathology was detected in all the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cevik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - G S Ozler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - C Arli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - I Tatar
- Departments of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - M F Sargon
- Departments of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - C Zeren
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| | - Z Yonden
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| | - E Akoglu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
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Fuente A, McPherson B, Hickson L. Auditory dysfunction associated with solvent exposure. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:39. [PMID: 23324255 PMCID: PMC3573910 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A number of studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce auditory dysfunction. However, there is still little knowledge regarding the main signs and symptoms of solvent-induced hearing loss (SIHL). The aim of this research was to investigate the association between solvent exposure and adverse effects on peripheral and central auditory functioning with a comprehensive audiological test battery. Methods Seventy-two solvent-exposed workers and 72 non-exposed workers were selected to participate in the study. The test battery comprised pure-tone audiometry (PTA), transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), Random Gap Detection (RGD) and Hearing-in-Noise test (HINT). Results Solvent-exposed subjects presented with poorer mean test results than non-exposed subjects. A bivariate and multivariate linear regression model analysis was performed. One model for each auditory outcome (PTA, TEOAE, RGD and HINT) was independently constructed. For all of the models solvent exposure was significantly associated with the auditory outcome. Age also appeared significantly associated with some auditory outcomes. Conclusions This study provides further evidence of the possible adverse effect of solvents on the peripheral and central auditory functioning. A discussion of these effects and the utility of selected hearing tests to assess SIHL is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Fuente
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Room 825, Level 8, Therapies Building (No 84A), St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Antonopoulos S, Balatsouras DG, Kanakaki S, Dona A, Spiliopoulou C, Giannoulis G. Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss caused by alcohol abuse and heroin sniffing. Auris Nasus Larynx 2012; 39:305-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2011] [Revised: 07/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Upile T, Sipaul F, Jerjes W, Singh S, Nouraei SAR, El Maaytah M, Andrews P, Graham J, Hopper C, Wright A. The acute effects of alcohol on auditory thresholds. BMC EAR, NOSE, AND THROAT DISORDERS 2007; 7:4. [PMID: 17877829 PMCID: PMC2031886 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6815-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background There is very little knowledge about alcohol-induced hearing loss. Alcohol consumption and tolerance to loud noise is a well observed phenomenon as seen in the Western world where parties get noisier by the hour as the evening matures. This leads to increase in the referrals to the "hearing aid clinic" and the diagnosis of "cocktail party deafness" which may not necessarily be only due to presbyacusis or noise-induced hearing loss. Methods 30 healthy volunteers were recruited for this trial which took place in a controlled acoustic environment. Each of the individuals was required to consume a pre-set amount of alcohol and the hearing was tested (using full pure tone audiogram) pre- and post- alcohol consumption over a broad range of 6 frequencies. Volunteers who achieve a minimum breath alcohol threshold level of 30 u/l had to have second audiogram testing. All the volunteers underwent timed psychometric and visuo-spatial skills tests to detect the effect of alcohol on the decision-making and psychomotor co-ordination. Results Our results showed that there was a positive association between increasing breath alcohol concentration and the magnitude of the increase in hearing threshold for most hearing frequencies. This was calculated by using the Pearson Regression Coefficient Ratio which was up to 0.6 for hearing at 1000 Hz. Over 90% of subjects had raised auditory thresholds in three or more frequencies; this was more marked in the lower frequencies. Conclusion Alcohol specifically blunts lower frequencies affecting the mostly 1000 Hz, which is the most crucial frequency for speech discrimination. In conclusion alcohol does appear to affect auditory thresholds with some frequencies being more affected than others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahwinder Upile
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
| | - Fabian Sipaul
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
| | - Waseem Jerjes
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Sandeep Singh
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
| | | | | | - Peter Andrews
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
| | - John Graham
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
| | - Colin Hopper
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Anthony Wright
- Head & Neck Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
- Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK
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Perez N, Boleas MS, Martin E. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions after intratympanic gentamicin therapy for unilateral Ménière's disease. Audiol Neurootol 2005; 10:69-78. [PMID: 15650298 DOI: 10.1159/000083362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2004] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of patients with Ménière's disease that do not respond to conventional therapy becomes complicated, particularly when taking into account the issue of hearing damage as well as the control of vertigo. Treatment often involves the intratympanic administration of gentamicin, for which different protocols are used. Hence, it is important that we better understand how this treatment influences hearing, beyond mere audiometric assessments. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of intratympanic gentamicin treatment for Ménière's disease on cochlear function, as assessed by otoacoustic emissions. The 41 patients included in the study had been diagnosed with unilateral Ménière's disease as defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines (1995), and had been refractory to medical treatment for at least 1 year. Intratympanic injections of gentamicin at a concentration of 27 mg/ml were performed at weekly intervals until indications of vestibular hypofunction appeared in the treated ear. Before beginning the treatment and 3 months after ending it, pure tone and speech audiometry tests were performed and the results are expressed in terms of the pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz) and the speech discrimination score, respectively. At the same time, a distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) study was performed and the results are expressed in terms of its presence or absence, and as the amplitude and threshold of the emission. When analyzed 3 months after the treatment had terminated, hearing loss was seen in 13 patients (31.7%). However, no significant change in the threshold and/or amplitude of otoacoustic emissions was observed in any of the patients. Neither were changes in the audiometric stage, number of injections required or the existence of DPOAE before treatment detected. Hence, the treatment method used here for patients with intractable unilateral Ménière's disease can be considered as having a low risk on auditory function, as assessed both audiometrically and with otoacoustic emissions, and can be considered as subablative for hearing function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Perez
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital and Medical School, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Liu TC, Hsu CJ, Hwang JH, Tseng FY, Chen YS. Effects of alcohol and noise on temporary threshold shift in Guinea pigs. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2004; 66:124-9. [PMID: 15316232 DOI: 10.1159/000079331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2003] [Accepted: 04/16/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of concomitant exposure to noise and alcohol on the auditory thresholds. Twenty-four guinea pigs were equally divided into three groups: the acute intoxication group, the chronic intoxication group and the control group. Animals in the acute group received single intraperitoneal injections of ethanol (2 g/kg). In the chronic group, alcohol was administered via drinking water (10%, v/v) over a 60-day period. All animals were exposed to a white noise at the intensity of 105 dB A for 30 min. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) levels were measured before, immediately after noise exposure and also 1, 2, and 7 days following exposure. The results showed: first, acute alcohol injection caused a significant, temporary elevation of ABR threshold (4.8 dB in average), while chronic alcohol treatment did not change auditory threshold significantly. Second, noise exposure induced a mean threshold shift of 15.4- 19.7 dB. ABR threshold returned to normal 2 days after exposure. Both acute and chronic alcohol treatment did not alter the magnitude and time course of recovery of the temporary threshold shift (TTS). Third, the mean DPOAE amplitudes decreased at most frequencies following acute injection of alcohol. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Fourth, the mean DPOAE levels dropped 3.4-9.6 dB in all groups after noise exposure and returned to normal 1 day to 2 days after noise. There were no significant differences in the amount of DPOAE suppression after noise between the three groups. In summary, we have found that acute and chronic treatment of alcohol in combination with noise did not significantly exacerbate TTS or decrease DPOAE amplitudes relative to noise exposure alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Chen Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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