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Davari MH, Jalalian MT, Mirmohammadi SJ, Shojaoddiny-Ardekani A, Ardakani MP, Mehrparvar AH. Noise-induced Hearing Loss: Continuous versus Impact/impulse Noise. Int J Prev Med 2024; 15:2. [PMID: 38487700 PMCID: PMC10935570 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_368_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Impact/impulse and continuous noise are two main causes of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in workplaces. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of impulse/impact noise and continuous noise on hearing status. Methods In this study, 259 workers referred to the occupational medicine clinic of Shahid Rahnemoun hospital, Yazd, Iran, entered the study and were divided into two groups: with exposure to impact/impulse noise and with exposure to continuous noise. Hearing thresholds were measured and compared between the two groups by pure-tone audiometry (PTA). The frequency of hearing loss and audiometric notch according to the results of PTA was compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS (ver. 16) using Student's t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results Hearing thresholds were significantly higher at all frequencies in the impact noise group. The hearing threshold at 6000 Hz was higher than other frequencies in both groups. The frequency of hearing loss at high frequencies was higher in the impact group. The frequency of audiometric notch was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions The results of this study showed that hearing loss after exposure to impact/impulse noise is probably more frequent and more severe than exposure to continuous noise, but the pattern of hearing loss is similar in both types of noise exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Davari
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, ShahidSadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd Province, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Jalalian
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, ShahidSadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd Province, Iran
| | - Seyyed Jalil Mirmohammadi
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, ShahidSadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd Province, Iran
| | | | - Mojgan Piri Ardakani
- Department of Occupational Medicine, ShahidSadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd Province, Iran
| | - Amir Houshang Mehrparvar
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, ShahidSadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd Province, Iran
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Humes LE, Zapala DA. Easy as 1-2-3: Development and Evaluation of a Simple yet Valid Audiogram-Classification System. Trends Hear 2024; 28:23312165241260041. [PMID: 38870447 PMCID: PMC11179497 DOI: 10.1177/23312165241260041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Almost since the inception of the modern-day electroacoustic audiometer a century ago the results of pure-tone audiometry have been characterized by an audiogram. For almost as many years, clinicians and researchers have sought ways to distill the volume and complexity of information on the audiogram. Commonly used approaches have made use of pure-tone averages (PTAs) for various frequency ranges with the PTA for 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz (PTA4) being the most widely used for the categorization of hearing loss severity. Here, a three-digit triad is proposed as a single-number summary of not only the severity, but also the configuration and bilateral symmetry of the hearing loss. Each digit in the triad ranges from 0 to 9, increasing as the level of the pure-tone hearing threshold level (HTL) increases from a range of optimal hearing (< 10 dB Hearing Level; HL) to complete hearing loss (≥ 90 dB HL). Each digit also represents a different frequency region of the audiogram proceeding from left to right as: (Low, L) PTA for 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz; (Center, C) PTA for 3000, 4000 and 6000 Hz; and (High, H) HTL at 8000 Hz. This LCH Triad audiogram-classification system is evaluated using a large United States (U.S.) national dataset (N = 8,795) from adults 20 to 80 + years of age and two large clinical datasets totaling 8,254 adults covering a similar age range. Its ability to capture variations in hearing function was found to be superior to that of the widely used PTA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry E Humes
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - David A Zapala
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Audiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Molaug I, Engdahl B, Mehlum IS, Stokholm ZA, Kolstad H, Aarhus L. Quantitative levels of noise exposure and 20-year hearing decline: findings from a prospective cohort study (the HUNT Study). Int J Audiol 2024; 63:40-48. [PMID: 36399098 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2143432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the association between occupational noise exposure and long-term hearing decline. DESIGN This prospective cohort study used linear regression to investigate the association between occupational noise exposure and 20-year hearing decline, adjusted for important confounders. STUDY SAMPLE The Norwegian cohort (N = 4,448) participated in two population-based health studies with pure-tone audiometry; HUNT2 1996-1998 and HUNT4 2017-2019. Exposure assessments included a quantitative job exposure matrix (JEM) and questionnaires. RESULTS The participants (40.2% men, 20-39 years at baseline) had a mean 20-year decline (3-6 kHz) of 11.3 ± 9.8 decibels (dB). There was a positive association between 20-year logarithmic average noise level (JEM-based, LEX,20y) and 20-year hearing decline among men. Compared with no exposure ≥80 dB during follow-up, minimum 5 years of exposure ≥85 dB (JEM-based) predicted 2.6 dB (95% CI: 0.2-5.0) larger 20-year decline for workers aged 30-39 years at baseline, and -0.2 dB (95% CI: -2.2 to 1.7) for workers aged 20-29 years. Combining JEM information with self-reported noise exposure data resulted in stronger associations. CONCLUSION This large longitudinal study shows an association between JEM-based noise exposure level and increased 20-year hearing decline among men. Contrary to expectations, the associations were weaker among younger workers, which might reflect a latency period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Molaug
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bo Engdahl
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo, Norway
- The Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zara Ann Stokholm
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisa Aarhus
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway, Oslo, Norway
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Ito S, Nakashima H, Segi N, Ouchida J, Ishizuka S, Takegami Y, Yoshida T, Hasegawa Y, Imagama S. Association between Locomotive Syndrome and Hearing Loss in Community-Dwelling Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5626. [PMID: 37685693 PMCID: PMC10488682 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between hearing and motor function as a function of aging is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relationship between age-related hearing loss and locomotive syndrome. In total, 240 participants aged ≥40 years, whose hearing acuity and motor function had been measured, were included in this study. Patients with a hearing acuity of <35 dB and ≥35 dB were categorized into normal and low hearing acuity groups, respectively. Motor function was compared according to sex between the groups. Among men, those in the low hearing acuity group (51/100) were older, had a significantly slower walking speed, and had a higher prevalence of locomotive syndrome than those in the normal group. Among women, those in the low hearing group (14/140) were older and had a significantly slower gait speed than those in the normal group. The multivariate analysis showed that, in the low hearing acuity group, age and gait speed were risk factors in men, while age was the only risk factor in women. In conclusion, hearing loss was associated with walking speed. The association between hearing loss and locomotive syndrome was observed only in men. In the multivariate analysis, hearing loss was associated with walking speed only in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadayuki Ito
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Naoki Segi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Jun Ouchida
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Shinya Ishizuka
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Yasuhiko Takegami
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Tadao Yoshida
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan;
| | - Yukiharu Hasegawa
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kansai University of Welfare Science, Kashiwara 582-0026, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Shiro Imagama
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8560, Aichi, Japan; (S.I.); (N.S.); (J.O.); (S.I.); (Y.T.); (S.I.)
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Nigam M, Neupane AK. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults Using Hearing aid/s: Indian Scenario. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 75:155-162. [PMID: 36532234 PMCID: PMC9734753 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03209-8] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study explored the impact of COVID-19 on hearing health and problems faced by older adults using hearing aid/s. Fifty older adults in the age range of 55–95 years were selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Therefore, the developed questionnaire was administered to them. Statistical analysis was performed for all the responses achieved. Closure of hearing aid companies and audiological centers was found to have a negative impact on availing audiological services. Likewise, a huge hike in the price of these services made it impossible for people to afford them. Despite the availability of tele-audiology, older adults were not able to make the best use of it due to numerous reasons. We sought to explore patients’ perceptions to break down these barriers by enhancing the quality of tele-audiology, home visits, and remote services. Therefore, the present report may facilitate in planning and implementation of policies related to audiological services, especially during times of crisis, which may help strengthen our hearing health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Nigam
- School of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), 411043 Pune, India
| | - Anuj Kumar Neupane
- School of Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), 411043 Pune, India
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Engdahl B, Aarhus L. Cohort difference in the association between use of recreational firearms and hearing loss: findings from the HUNT study. Int J Audiol 2022; 62:350-356. [PMID: 35341437 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2050822] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The risk of noise injury from recreational firearm use is well known. Despite preventive measures it is uncertain whether it has become less harmful. We assessed whether the association between recreational firearm use and hearing has changed during the last two decades. DESIGN We used a repeated cross-sectional design and determined hearing thresholds by pure-tone audiometry. Frequency-specific associations between recreational firearm use and hearing thresholds were assessed by multivariate linear regression stratified by sex and adjusted for age and other covariates. STUDY SAMPLE Two cross-sectional population-based cohorts 20 years apart (1998 and 2018) comprised 27,580 (53% women, mean age 53 years) and 26,606 individuals (56% women, mean age 54 years), respectively. RESULTS Recreational firearm use was reported by 28% in 1998 and 30% in 2018. The proportion that reported wearing hearing protection increased. Exposure to recreational firearms was associated with elevated thresholds at 3-6 kHz in both cohorts. The association increased with the number of lifetime shots. The associations increased by age and were substantially smaller in the most recent cohort. CONCLUSIONS Analyses of two cohorts revealed a reduction in the association between recreational firearm use and hearing over 20 years, coinciding with the introduction of hearing preservation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Engdahl
- Department of Physical Health and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisa Aarhus
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Song W, Cao H, Zhang D, Xu H, Zhang Q, Wang Z, Li S, Wang W, Hu W, Wang B, Duan H. Association between NR3C1 gene polymorphisms and age-related hearing impairment in Qingdao Chinese elderly. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:193. [PMID: 34320993 PMCID: PMC8320226 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01044-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related hearing impairment (ARHI) has attracted increasing attention recently. It is caused by genetic and environmental factors. A number of ARHI-related genes have been found. This study aimed to detect the potential association between NR3C1 gene polymorphisms and ARHI by means of weighted allele score. METHODS A total of 861 participants from Qingdao city were selected by means of cluster random sampling. We statistically evaluated the characteristics of individuals and used the Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test for comparison. The publicly available expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) was queried on the website of the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). We used the weighted allele score and logistic regression analysis to explore the association between NR3C1 gene polymorphisms and ARHI. Finally, the prediction model was constructed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS All individuals over 60 years of age were enrolled in this study. The allele of rs61757411, rs41423247 and rs6877893 were significantly different between the ARHI group and the normal hearing group (P < 0.01). Though eQTL analysis, rs6877893 and rs33388 might affect the occurrence of ARHI by affecting the expression of NR3C1 gene in artery aorta. Then we performed two models: one without adding any covariates into model and the other adjusting for demographic characteristic, smoking and drinking, diet and exercise, and physical conditions. In the multivariate-adjusted model 2, the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for weighted allele score (NR3C1) was 0.841 (0.710-0.995, P = 0.043). The area under the ROC curve was 0.755, indicating that the model had good predictability. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that NR3C1 gene polymorphisms was significantly associated with ARHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxue Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hainan Cao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266011, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongfeng Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Chengyang Street Community Health Service Center, No. 137 Wenyang Road, Chengyang District, Qingdao, 266109, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Zaozhuang Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 223 Jiefang North Road, Shizhong District, Zaozhuang, 277100, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoguo Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Suyun Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchao Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), No. 758 Hefei Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingling Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiping Duan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Public Health College, Qingdao University, No. 38 Dengzhou Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266021, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
- Qingdao Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
- Qingdao Institute of Preventive Medicine, No. 175 Shandong Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Li W, Zhao Z, Chen Z, Yi G, Lu Z, Wang D. Prevalence of hearing loss and influencing factors among workers in Wuhan, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:31511-31519. [PMID: 33606165 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and influencing factors among workers in automobile manufacturing industry in Wuhan, China. We conducted cross-sectional analyses of 2017 through 2019 data from survey of the key occupational diseases on 17,176 workers in automobile manufacturing industry, Wuhan, China. Hearing loss was defined as a pure tone mean of 25 dB or higher in either ear at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz for speech frequency and at 3, 4, and 6 kHz for high frequency. Among the 17,176 workers, more than a quarter of participants had high frequency hearing loss, and 6.41% had speech frequency hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was higher among participants with diabetes mellitus and current smoking, temporary tinnitus, and sudden change in hearing. Compared with the controls, age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.08-1.09), male (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.21-1.63), occupational noise exposure (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.08-1.30), having temporary tinnitus (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.08-1.33), and having sudden change in hearing (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.20-2.08) were associated with higher prevalence of high frequency hearing loss; meanwhile, age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.08-1.09), male (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.11-1.71), having family history of hearing loss (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.35-5.97), and having sudden change in hearing (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.80-3.70) were associated with higher prevalence of speech frequency hearing loss. No additive and multiplicative interaction was found between occupational noise and these factors for hearing loss. Hearing loss directly affects 25% of workers in automobile manufacturing industry in Wuhan. Measures should be implemented for the control of occupational noise and other factors simultaneously in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhen Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhiya Zhao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhenlong Chen
- Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Guilin Yi
- Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Wuhan, 430015, Hubei, China
| | - Zuxun Lu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dongming Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Corticosteroid Therapy in Acute Acoustic Trauma: 15 Years' Experience at the Czech Military Health Service. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094460. [PMID: 33922296 PMCID: PMC8122777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acute acoustic trauma (AAT) ranks, among others, as one common cause of inner ear function impairment, especially in terms of military personnel, who are at an increased exposure to impulse noises from firearms. Aim of this study: 1. We wanted to demonstrate whether early treatment of AAT means a higher chance for the patient to improve hearing after trauma. 2. We find the answer to the question of whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) has a positive effect in the treatment of AAT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data for the period 2004–2019 in patients with AAT. We evaluated the therapeutic success of corticosteroids and HBO2 in a cohort of patients with AAT n = 108 patients/n = 141 affected ears. Results: Hearing improvement after treatment was recorded in a total of 111 ears (79%). In terms of the data analysis we were able to ascertain, utilizing success of treatment versus timing: within 24 h following the onset of therapy in 56 (40%) ears—54 (96%) ears had improved; within seven days following the onset the therapy was used in 55 (39%) ears—41 (74%) ears had improved; after seven days the therapy started in 30 (21%) ears—16 (53%) ears had improved. Parameter latency of the beginning of the treatment of AAT was statistically significant (p = 0.001 and 0.017, respectively). The success of the medical protocols was apparent in both groups—group I (treated without HBO2): n = 61 ears, of which 50 (82%) improved, group II (treated with HBO2): n = 73 ears, of which 56 (77%) improved. Group II shows improvement at most frequencies (500–2000 Hz). The most serious sensorineural hearing loss after AAT was at a frequency of 6000 Hz. Conclusion: Analysis of our data shows that there is a statistically significant higher rate of improvement if AAT treatment was initiated within the first seven days after acoustic trauma. Early treatment of AAT leads to better treatment success. HBO2 is considered a rescue therapy for the treatment of AAT. According to our recommendation, it is desirable to start corticosteroid therapy immediately after acoustic trauma. If hearing does not improve during the first seven days of corticosteroid therapy, then HBO2 treatment should be initiated.
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Explaining better hearing in Norway: a comparison of two cohorts 20 years apart - the HUNT study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:242. [PMID: 33509127 PMCID: PMC7844976 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hearing function at a given age seems to have improved in more recent born cohorts in industrialized countries. But the reasons for the improvement have not yet been explained. Methods We investigated the extent to which better hearing in Norway is attributed to modifiable risk factors by using representative demographic and audiometric data from two cohorts of the Trøndelag Health Study, HUNT2 (1996–1998) and HUNT4 (2017–2019). We estimated natural indirect effects using causal inference methods in order to assess whether cohort improvement in hearing thresholds (HTs) was mediated by occupational noise exposure, recurrent ear infections, smoking and education. Results The improvement in HTs from HUNT2 to HUNT4 was 2.8 and 3.0 dB at low respectively high frequencies. Together all risk factors mediated this improvement by 0.8 dB (95% CI 0.7–0.9) and 0.8 dB (95% CI 0.7–0.9) respectively, corresponding to mediated proportions of 27 and 28%. Substantial mediation was specifically found for occupational noise in men and recurrent ear infections in women (mediated proportions of 11 and 17% at high frequencies, respectively). Conclusions Increased education, less occupational noise exposure, ear infections and smoking contributed considerably to better hearing in Norway the last two decades. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10301-1.
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Barrero JP, López-Perea EM, Herrera S, Mariscal MA, García-Herrero S. Assessment and Modeling of the Influence of Age, Gender, and Family History of Hearing Problems on the Probability of Suffering Hearing Loss in the Working Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8041. [PMID: 33142803 PMCID: PMC7662615 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss affects hundreds of millions of people all over the world, leading to several types of disabilities, ranging from purely physical to psychological and/or social aspects. A proper analysis to ascertain the main risk factors is essential in order to diagnose early and treat adequately. An exploratory analysis based on a heterogeneous sample of 1418 workers is presented in order to identify the main trigger factors for hearing loss. On the one hand, we recorded several medical and environmental parameters, and on the other, we created a model based on Bayesian networks in order to be able to infer the probability of hearing loss considering different scenarios. This paper focuses on three parameters: gender, age, and a family history of hearing problems. The results obtained allow us to infer or predict the best or worst auditory level for an individual under several different scenarios. The least relevant factor is the existence of a family history of deafness, followed by the gender factor, which slopes considerably toward better hearing for females, and most prominent of all, the age factor, given the large differences identified between the various age groups when the gender and family history of deafness variables remain constant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús P. Barrero
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Burgos, Avenida Cantabria s/n, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (J.P.B.); (S.G.-H.)
| | - Eva M. López-Perea
- Facultad de Educación, University of Burgos, C/Villadiego 1, 09001 Burgos, Spain;
| | - Sixto Herrera
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain;
| | - Miguel A. Mariscal
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Burgos, Avenida Cantabria s/n, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (J.P.B.); (S.G.-H.)
| | - Susana García-Herrero
- Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Burgos, Avenida Cantabria s/n, 09006 Burgos, Spain; (J.P.B.); (S.G.-H.)
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12
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New Metrics Needed in the Evaluation of Hearing Hazard Associated With Industrial Noise Exposure. Ear Hear 2020; 42:290-300. [PMID: 32826512 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate (1) the accuracy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard ISO 1999 [(2013), International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland] predictions of noise-induced permanent threshold shift (NIPTS) in workers exposed to various types of high-intensity noise levels, and (2) the role of the kurtosis metric in assessing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). DESIGN Audiometric and shift-long noise exposure data were acquired from a population (N = 2,333) of screened workers from 34 industries in China. The entire cohort was exclusively divided into subgroups based on four noise exposure levels (85 ≤ LAeq.8h < 88, 88 ≤ LAeq.8h < 91, 91 ≤ LAeq.8h < 94, and 94 ≤ LAeq.8h ≤ 100 dBA), two exposure durations (D ≤ 10 years and D > 10 years), and four kurtosis categories (Gaussian, low-, medium-, and high-kurtosis). Predicted NIPTS was calculated using the ISO 1999 model for each participant and the actual measured NIPTS was corrected for age and sex also using ISO 1999. The prediction accuracy of the ISO 1999 model was evaluated by comparing the NIPTS predicted by ISO 1999 with the actual NIPTS. The relation between kurtosis and NIPTS was also investigated. RESULTS Overall, using the average NIPTS value across the four audiometric test frequencies (2, 3, 4, and 6 kHz), the ISO 1999 predictions significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated the NIPTS by 7.5 dB on average in participants exposed to Gaussian noise and by 13.6 dB on average in participants exposed to non-Gaussian noise with high kurtosis. The extent of the underestimation of NIPTS by ISO 1999 increased with an increase in noise kurtosis value. For a fixed range of noise exposure level and duration, the actual measured NIPTS increased as the kurtosis of the noise increased. The noise with kurtosis greater than 75 produced the highest NIPTS. CONCLUSIONS The applicability of the ISO 1999 prediction model to different types of noise exposures needs to be carefully reexamined. A better understanding of the role of the kurtosis metric in NIHL may lead to its incorporation into a new and more accurate model of hearing loss due to noise exposure.
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Joseph AR, Shaw JL, Clouser MC, MacGregor AJ, Dougherty AL, Galarneau MR. Clinical audiometric patterns of hearing loss following blast-related injury in U.S. military personnel. Int J Audiol 2020; 59:772-779. [PMID: 32293926 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2020.1743884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To identify clinical audiometric patterns of hearing loss following blast-related injury (BRI) in US military personnel.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Study sample: A total of 1186 male Navy and Marine Corps service members with normal hearing thresholds on pre-injury audiograms who had post-injury audiograms in the Blast-Related Auditory Injury Database.Results: Low- and high-frequency pure-tone averages (PTAs) were significantly higher in those with BRI than non-blast-related injury (NBRI) for both ears (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Overall, 172 (15%) service members met criteria for post-injury hearing loss and were categorised into PTA or single-frequency hearing loss subgroups. PTA hearing loss was more common in the BRI group (50% vs. 33%, p < 0.036), whereas single-frequency hearing loss was more common in the NBRI group. Most hearing loss was mild to moderate in degree, and three distinct audiometric patterns emerged (i.e. flat, sloping and rising). A flat pattern was the most prevalent configuration among those with PTA hearing loss, especially bilateral loss. Single-frequency hearing loss was mostly unilateral and high frequency.Conclusions: In this study, BRI produced hearing loss across test frequencies, generating more clinically actionable post-injury audiograms than NBRI. We found that post-injury audiometric patterns of hearing loss among military personnel may vary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony R Joseph
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.,Hearing Loss Prevention Laboratory, Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - Jaime L Shaw
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.,Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mary C Clouser
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.,Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J MacGregor
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amber L Dougherty
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA.,Leidos, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Galarneau
- Medical Modeling, Simulation, and Mission Support Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
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Lauer AM, Schrode KM. Sex bias in basic and preclinical noise-induced hearing loss research. Noise Health 2019; 19:207-212. [PMID: 28937014 PMCID: PMC5644379 DOI: 10.4103/nah.nah_12_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sex differences in brain biochemistry, physiology, structure, and function have been gaining increasing attention in the scientific community. Males and females can have different responses to medications, diseases, and environmental variables. A small number of the approximately 7500 studies of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) have identified sex differences, but the mechanisms and characterization of these differences have not been thoroughly studied. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a mandate in 2015 to include sex as a biological variable in all NIH-funded research beginning in January 2016. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the representation of sex as a biological variable in preclinical and basic studies of NIHL was quantified for a 5-year period from January 2011 to December 2015 prior to the implementation of the NIH mandate. Results: The analysis of 210 basic and preclinical studies showed that when sex is specified, experiments are predominantly performed on male animals. Discussion: This bias is present in studies completed in the United States and foreign institutions, and the proportion of studies using only male participants has actually increased over the 5-year period examined. Conclusion: These results underscore the need to invest resources in studying NIHL in both sexes to better understand how sex shapes the outcomes and to optimize treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Marie Lauer
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS and Center for Hearing and Balance, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Katrina Marie Schrode
- Department of Otolaryngology-HNS and Center for Hearing and Balance, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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15
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Miaskowski C, Paul SM, Mastick J, Abrams G, Topp K, Smoot B, Kober KM, Chesney M, Mazor M, Mausisa G, Schumacher M, Conley YP, Sabes JH, Cheung S, Wallhagen M, Levine JD. Associations Between Perceived Stress and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Otoxicity in Adult Cancer Survivors. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:88-97. [PMID: 29524582 PMCID: PMC6015523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The most common adverse effects from neurotoxic chemotherapy are chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN), hearing loss, and tinnitus. Although associations between perceived stress and persistent pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus are documented, no studies have examined these associations in cancer survivors who received neurotoxic chemotherapy. OBJECTIVES In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated for associations between perceived stress and the occurrence of CIPN, hearing loss, and tinnitus, in 623 adult cancer survivors who received platinum and/or taxane compounds. METHODS Survivors completed self-report measures of hearing loss, tinnitus, and perceived stress (i.e., Impact of Events Scale-Revised [IES-R]). Separate logistic regression analyses were done for each neurotoxicity to evaluate whether each of the IES-R subscale (i.e., intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal) and total scores made a significant independent contribution to neurotoxicity group membership. RESULTS Of the 623 survivors in this study, 68.4% had CIPN, 34.5% reported hearing loss, and 31.0% reported tinnitus. Older age, higher body mass index, poorer functional status, being born prematurely, cancer diagnosis, and higher intrusion (P = 0.013), hyperarousal (P = 0.014), and total (P = 0.047) IES-R scores were associated with CIPN. Older age, being male, poorer functional status, a worse comorbidity profile, and a higher IES-R hyperarousal (P = 0.007) score were associated with hearing loss. Being male, having less education, a worse comorbidity profile, and a higher IES-R hyperarousal (P = 0.029) score were associated with tinnitus. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that increased levels of perceived stress are associated with the most common chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven M Paul
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Judy Mastick
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gary Abrams
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kimberly Topp
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Betty Smoot
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kord M Kober
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Margaret Chesney
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Melissa Mazor
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Grace Mausisa
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark Schumacher
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yvette P Conley
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Steven Cheung
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Margaret Wallhagen
- School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jon D Levine
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Kulik A, Malinowska-Borowska J. Exposure to impulse noise at an explosives company: a case study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2018; 24:366-372. [PMID: 29353537 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1420583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Impulse noise encountered in workplaces is a threat to hearing. The aim of this study was to assess the occupational exposure to impulse noise produced by detonation of dynamite on the premises of an explosives company. Test points were located on the blast test area (inside and outside the bunker) and in work buildings across the site. Noise propagation measurement was performed during 130 blast tests at nine measurement points. At every point, at least 10 separate measurements of A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq), maximum A-weighted sound pressure level (LAmax) and C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCpeak) were made. Noise recorded in the blast test area exceeded occupational exposure limits (OELs). Noise levels measured in buildings did not exceed OELs. Results of the survey showed that for 62% of respondents, impulse noise causes difficulties in performing work. The most commonly reported symptoms include headaches, nervousness and irritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kulik
- a School of Public Health in Bytom , Medical University of Silesia , Poland
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17
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Lie A, Engdahl B, Hoffman HJ, Li CM, Tambs K. Occupational noise exposure, hearing loss, and notched audiograms in the HUNT Nord-Trøndelag hearing loss study, 1996-1998. Laryngoscope 2016; 127:1442-1450. [PMID: 27696439 PMCID: PMC5484347 DOI: 10.1002/lary.26256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives/Hypothesis To study the prevalence and usefulness of audiometric notches in the diagnosis of noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL). Study Design Audiograms and data on noise exposure from 23,297 men and 26,477 women, aged 20 to 101 years, from the Nord‐Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study, 1996–1998. Methods The prevalence of four types of audiometric notches (Coles, Hoffman, Wilson) and 4 kHz notch were computed in relation to occupational noise exposure, age, sex, and report of recurrent ear infections. Results The prevalence of notches in the 3 to 6 kHz range (Wilson, Hoffman, and Coles) ranged from 50% to 60% in subjects without occupational noise exposure, and 60% to 70% in the most occupationally noise‐exposed men. The differences were statistically significant only for bilateral notches. For 4 kHz notches, the prevalence varied from 25% in occupationally nonexposed to 35% in the most occupationally exposed men, and the differences were statistically significant for both bilateral and unilateral notches. For women, the prevalence of notches was lower than in men, especially for 4 kHz notches, and the differences between occupationally noise exposed and nonexposed were smaller. Recreational exposure to high music was not associated with notched audiograms. Conclusions The detection of bilateral notches and unilateral 4 kHz notches is of some value in diagnosing NIHL, especially in men. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 127:1442–1450, 2017
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Affiliation(s)
- Arve Lie
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bo Engdahl
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Howard J Hoffman
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Chuan-Ming Li
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.A
| | - Kristian Tambs
- Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Irgens-Hansen K, Baste V, Bråtveit M, Lind O, Koefoed VF, Moen BE. Hearing loss in the Royal Norwegian Navy: A longitudinal study. Noise Health 2016; 18:157-65. [PMID: 27157689 PMCID: PMC4918668 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.181999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate a significant threshold shift (STS) among personnel working on board the Royal Norwegian Navy's (RNoN) vessels between 2012 and 2014 and to identify possible determinants of STS. Hearing thresholds were measured by pure tone audiometry in two consecutive examinations (n = 226). STS was defined as an average change in hearing thresholds ≥ + 10 dB at 2,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz in either ear. Determinants of STS were assessed through a questionnaire. The incidence of STS was 23.0%. Significant determinants of STS were the number of episodes of temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in the Navy, exposure to continuous loud noise during work on board, and the number of gun shots (in the Navy, hunting, and sports). This study indicated a significant association between noise exposure on board Navy vessels and development of STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Irgens-Hansen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen; Department of Occupational Medicine, The Norwegian Centre for Maritime Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Valborg Baste
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Research Group for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ola Lind
- Department of Audiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the extent to which otitis media (OM) in childhood is associated with adult hearing thresholds. Furthermore, to study whether the effects of OM on adult hearing thresholds are moderated by age or noise exposure. DESIGN Population-based cohort study of 32,786 participants who had their hearing tested by pure-tone audiometry in primary school and again at ages ranging from 20 to 56 years. Three thousand sixty-six children were diagnosed with hearing loss; the remaining sample had normal childhood hearing. RESULTS Compared with participants with normal childhood hearing, those diagnosed with childhood hearing loss caused by otitis media with effusion (n = 1255), chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM; n = 108), or hearing loss after recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM; n = 613) had significantly increased adult hearing thresholds in the whole frequency range (2 dB/17-20 dB/7-10 dB, respectively). The effects were adjusted for age, sex, and noise exposure. Children diagnosed with hearing loss after rAOM had somewhat improved hearing thresholds as adults. The effects of CSOM and hearing loss after rAOM on adult hearing thresholds were larger in participants tested in middle adulthood (ages 40 to 56 years) than in those tested in young adulthood (ages 20 to 40 years). Eardrum pathology added a marginally increased risk of adult hearing loss (1-3 dB) in children with otitis media with effusion or hearing loss after rAOM. The study could not reveal significant differences in the effect of self-reported noise exposure on adult hearing thresholds between the groups with OM and the group with normal childhood hearing. CONCLUSIONS This cohort study indicates that CSOM and rAOM in childhood are associated with adult hearing loss, underlining the importance of optimal treatment in these conditions. It appears that ears with a subsequent hearing loss after OM in childhood age at a faster rate than those without; however this should be confirmed by studies with several follow-up tests through adulthood.
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Honeth L, Ström P, Ploner A, Bagger-Sjöbäck D, Rosenhall U, Nyrén O. Shooting history and presence of high-frequency hearing impairment in swedish hunters: A cross-sectional internet-based observational study. Noise Health 2015; 17:273-81. [PMID: 26356369 PMCID: PMC4900506 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.165043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this cross-sectional study among Swedish hunters was to examine the association between shooting history and presence of high-frequency hearing impairment (HFHI). All hunters registered with an e-mail address in the membership roster of the Swedish Hunters’ Association were invited via e-mail to a secure website with a questionnaire and an Internet-based audiometry test. Associations, expressed as prevalence ratio (PR), were multivariately modelled using Poisson regression. The questionnaire was answered by 1771 hunters (age 11-91 years), and 202 of them also completed the audiometry test. Subjective severe hearing loss was reported by 195/1771 (11%), while 23/202 (11%) exhibited HFHI upon testing with Internet-based audiometry. As many as 328/1771 (19%) had never used hearing protection during hunting. In the preceding 5 years, 785/1771 (45%), had fired >6 unprotected gunshots with hunting rifle calibers. The adjusted PR of HFHI when reporting 1-6 such shots, relative to 0, was 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.1; P = 0.02]. We could not verify any excessive HFHI prevalence among 89 hunters reporting unprotected exposure to such gunshot noise >6 times. Nor did the total number of reported rifle shots seem to matter. These findings support the notion of a wide variation in individual susceptibility to impulse noise; that significant sound energy, corresponding to unprotected noise from hunting rifle calibers, seems to be required; that susceptible individuals may sustain irreversible damage to the inner ear from just one or a few shots; and that use of hearing protection should be encouraged from the first shot with such weapons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Honeth
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Aleris Specialist Center, Sabbatsberg, Stockholm, Sweden
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Occupational noise exposure and hearing: a systematic review. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2015; 89:351-72. [PMID: 26249711 PMCID: PMC4786595 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-015-1083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To give a systematic review of the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in working life. Methods A literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Health and Safety Abstracts, with appropriate keywords on noise in the workplace and health, revealed 22,413 articles which were screened by six researchers. A total of 698 articles were reviewed in full text and scored with a checklist, and 187 articles were found to be relevant and of sufficient quality for further analysis. Results Occupational noise exposure causes between 7 and 21 % of the hearing loss among workers, lowest in the industrialized countries, where the incidence is going down, and highest in the developing countries. It is difficult to distinguish between NIHL and age-related hearing loss at an individual level. Most of the hearing loss is age related. Men lose hearing more than women do. Heredity also plays a part. Socioeconomic position, ethnicity and other factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, vibration and chemical substances, may also affect hearing. The use of firearms may be harmful to hearing, whereas most other sources of leisure-time noise seem to be less important. Impulse noise seems to be more deleterious to hearing than continuous noise. Occupational groups at high risk of NIHL are the military, construction workers, agriculture and others with high noise exposure. Conclusion The prevalence of NIHL is declining in most industrialized countries, probably due to preventive measures. Hearing loss is mainly related to increasing age. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00420-015-1083-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Aarhus L, Tambs K, Nafstad P, Bjørgan E, Engdahl B. Childhood sensorineural hearing loss: effects of combined exposure with aging or noise exposure later in life. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2015; 273:1099-105. [PMID: 25975623 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-015-3649-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine childhood high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (HF-SNHL) and the effects of combined exposure with aging or noise exposure on HF hearing thresholds in adulthood. Population-based cohort study of 30,003 adults (mean age 40 years) underwent an audiometry and completed a hearing questionnaire. At age 7-13 years, the same people had participated in a longitudinal school hearing investigation, in which 283 participants were diagnosed with HF-SNHL [PTA 3-8 kHz ≥ 25 dB HL (mean 45 dB HL), worse hearing ear], and 29,720 participants had normal hearing thresholds. The effect of childhood HF-SNHL on adult hearing threshold was significantly moderated by age. Age stratified analyses showed that the difference in HF hearing thresholds between adults with and without childhood HF-SNHL was 33 dB (95 % CI 31-34) in young adults (n = 173, aged 20-39 years) and 37 dB (95 % CI 34-39) in middle-aged adults (n = 110, aged 40-56 years). The combined exposure of childhood HF-SNHL and noise exposure showed a simple additive effect. It appears to be a super-additive effect of childhood-onset HF-SNHL and aging on adult hearing thresholds. An explanation might be that already damaged hair cells are more susceptible to age-related degeneration. To exclude possible birth cohort effects, the finding should be confirmed by a study with several audiometries in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Aarhus
- Department of Psychosomatic and Health Behavior, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Kristian Tambs
- Department of Psychosomatic and Health Behavior, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Nafstad
- Department of Chronic diseases, Division of Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eskil Bjørgan
- Namsos Hospital, Helse Nord-Trøndelag HF, Postboks 333, 7601, Levanger, Norway
| | - Bo Engdahl
- Department of Psychosomatic and Health Behavior, Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway
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Spankovich C, Griffiths SK, Lobariñas E, Morgenstein KE, de la Calle S, Ledon V, Guercio D, Le Prell CG. Temporary threshold shift after impulse-noise during video game play: laboratory data. Int J Audiol 2014; 53 Suppl 2:S53-65. [PMID: 24564694 DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.865844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prevention of temporary threshold shift (TTS) after laboratory-based exposure to pure-tones, broadband noise, and narrowband noise signals has been achieved, but prevention of TTS under these experimental conditions may not accurately reflect protection against hearing loss following impulse noise. This study used a controlled laboratory-based TTS paradigm that incorporated impulsive stimuli into the exposure protocol; development of this model could provide a novel platform for assessing proposed therapeutics. DESIGN Participants played a video game that delivered gunfire-like sound through headphones as part of a target practice game. Effects were measured using audiometric threshold evaluations and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). The sound level and number of impulses presented were sequentially increased throughout the study. STUDY SAMPLE Participants were normal-hearing students at the University of Florida who provided written informed consent prior to participation. RESULTS TTS was not reliably induced by any of the exposure conditions assessed here. However, there was significant individual variability, and a subset of subjects showed TTS under some exposure conditions. CONCLUSIONS A subset of participants demonstrated reliable threshold shifts under some conditions. Additional experiments are needed to better understand and optimize stimulus parameters that influence TTS after simulated impulse noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Spankovich
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida , Gainesville , USA
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Hearing loss in the royal Norwegian Navy: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2014; 88:641-9. [PMID: 25287192 PMCID: PMC4435635 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-014-0988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Prior studies have indicated a high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among Navy personnel; however, it is not clear whether this is caused by work on board. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of hearing loss among Navy personnel in the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN), and to investigate whether there is an association between work on board RNoN vessels and occurrence of hearing loss. Methods Navy personnel currently working on board RNoN vessels were recruited to complete a questionnaire on noise exposure and health followed by pure tone audiometry. Hearing loss was defined as hearing threshold levels ≥25 dB in either ear at the frequencies 3,000, 4,000 or 6,000 Hz. Hearing thresholds were adjusted for age and gender using ISO 7029. Results The prevalence of hearing loss among Navy personnel was 31.4 %. The work exposure variables: years of work in the Navy, years on vessel(s) in the Navy and years of sailing in the Navy were associated with reduced hearing after adjusting for age, gender and otitis as an adult. Among the work exposure variables, years of sailing in the Navy was the strongest predictor of reduced hearing, and significantly reduced hearing was found at the frequencies 1,000, 3,000 and 4,000 Hz. Conclusions Our results indicate that time spent on board vessels in the RNoN is a predictor of reduced hearing.
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Groenewold MR, Masterson EA, Themann CL, Davis RR. Do hearing protectors protect hearing? Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:1001-10. [PMID: 24700499 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the association between self-reported hearing protection use at work and incidence of hearing shifts over a 5-year period. METHODS Audiometric data from 19,911 workers were analyzed. Two hearing shift measures-OSHA standard threshold shift (OSTS) and high-frequency threshold shift (HFTS)-were used to identify incident shifts in hearing between workers' 2005 and 2009 audiograms. Adjusted odds ratios were generated using multivariable logistic regression with multi-level modeling. RESULTS The odds ratio for hearing shift for workers who reported never versus always wearing hearing protection was nonsignificant for OSTS (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.92-1.64) and marginally significant for HFTS (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.59). A significant linear trend towards increased risk of HFTS with decreased use of hearing protection was observed (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION The study raises concern about the effectiveness of hearing protection as a substitute for noise control to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Groenewold
- Surveillance Branch, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Elizabeth A. Masterson
- Surveillance Branch, Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Christa L. Themann
- Hearing Loss Prevention Team, Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch; Division of Applied Research and Technology, NIOSH, CDC; Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Rickie R. Davis
- Hearing Loss Prevention Team, Engineering and Physical Hazards Branch; Division of Applied Research and Technology, NIOSH, CDC; Cincinnati Ohio
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Masterson EA, Tak S, Themann CL, Wall DK, Groenewold MR, Deddens JA, Calvert GM. Prevalence of hearing loss in the United States by industry. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:670-81. [PMID: 22767358 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Twenty-two million workers are exposed to hazardous noise in the United States. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. industries. METHODS We examined 2000-2008 audiograms for male and female workers ages 18-65, who had higher occupational noise exposures than the general population. Prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) for hearing loss were estimated and compared across industries. RESULTS In our sample, 18% of workers had hearing loss. When compared with the Couriers and Messengers industry sub-sector, workers employed in Mining (PR = 1.65, CI = 1.57-1.73), Wood Product Manufacturing (PR = 1.65, CL = 1.61-1.70), Construction of Buildings (PR = 1.52, CI = 1.45-1.59), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (PR = 1.61, CL = 1.51-1.71) [corrected] had higher risks for hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS Workers in the Mining, Manufacturing, and Construction industries need better engineering controls for noise and stronger hearing conservation strategies. More hearing loss research is also needed within traditional "low-risk" industries like Real Estate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Masterson
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA.
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Singh LP, Bhardwaj A, Deepak KK. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss in Indian steel industry workers: an exploratory study. HUMAN FACTORS 2013; 55:411-424. [PMID: 23691834 DOI: 10.1177/0018720812457175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study focused on exploring the current level of hearing protection and subsequently determined the prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among casting and forging industry workers. BACKGROUND The casting and forging industry provides employment to a significant portion of the population. METHOD The level of hearing protection was assessed through questionnaire survey of 572 workers. Out of these workers, 165 and another control group of 57 participants were assessed by formal audiometry. Audiometric tests were conducted at frequencies of 1.0 KHz to 8.0 KHz.The occurrence of hearing loss was determined on the basis of a hearing threshold level with a low fence of 25 dB. Student's test and ANOVA were used to compare the various groups; a p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS More than 90% of the workers sampled showed significant hearing loss at medium and high frequencies. The analyses revealed a higher prevalence of significant hearing loss among the forging workers compared with the workers associated with the other activities. CONCLUSIONS The workers of the Indian steel industry are highly exposed to occupational noise. The majority of workers are not protected from noise-induced hearing loss. There is a need to provide special ear protectors for workers engaged in forging. A complete hearing protection program, including training, audiometry, job rotation, and the use of hearing protection devices, needs to be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakhwinder Pal Singh
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Dr B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab 144011, India.
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Canlon B, Theorell T, Hasson D. Associations between stress and hearing problems in humans. Hear Res 2013; 295:9-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing impairment is one of the most common permanent disabilities in the western world. Although hearing ability normally declines with age, there is great individual variation in age of onset, progression, and severity, indicating that individual susceptibility plays a role. The aim of the present study was to explore the relative importance of genetic and environmental effects in the etiology of impaired hearing. METHODS From August 1995 to June 1997, the total adult population of Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway, was invited to take part in the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study. The survey included as an integrated project the Nord-Trøndelag Hearing Loss Study with pure-tone audiometry assessment of the standard frequencies 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz on 51,574 participants aged 20 to 101 years. We obtained information from Statistics Norway identifying 11,263 sibling pairs. After age stratification, we assessed similarity in hearing thresholds between siblings using polychoric correlations. The contribution of genetic effects in hearing ability was calculated. RESULTS The upper limit of the heritability of hearing loss was 0.36. We found little evidence for sex differences in the relative importance of genetic effects. CONCLUSIONS There is a substantial genetic contribution to individual variation in hearing thresholds.
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High frequency hearing loss in the elderly: effect of age and noise exposure in an Italian group. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology 2011; 125:776-80. [PMID: 21729437 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215111001101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the effect of age and noise on high frequency hearing thresholds in an Italian population aged 70 years and older, in order to investigate the interaction between presbycusis and noise exposure. METHODS We compared 460 subjects: 367 affected by presbycusis alone (204 women and 163 men) and 93 affected by presbycusis and noise exposure (eight women and 85 men). Pure tone average hearing thresholds, for each ear, were compared between groups, and between sexes and ages within groups. RESULTS A slight threshold difference was found between the two groups at 4 kHz. After adjusting for age and gender, this difference was found to be related only to differing patient age. Men's and women's thresholds differed significantly in both groups, especially at high frequencies, at which threshold deterioration was worse in men than women. CONCLUSION The threshold differences between patients with presbycusis with and without noise exposure were limited. Larger studies are needed to assess the relative effects of ageing and noise exposure on hearing thresholds.
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Hasson D, Theorell T, Wallén MB, Leineweber C, Canlon B. Stress and prevalence of hearing problems in the Swedish working population. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:130. [PMID: 21345187 PMCID: PMC3056746 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Current human and experimental studies are indicating an association between stress and hearing problems; however potential risk factors have not been established. Hearing problems are projected to become among the top ten disabilities according to the WHO in the near future. Therefore a better understanding of the relationships between stress and hearing is warranted. Here we describe the prevalence of two common hearing problems, i.e. hearing complaints and tinnitus, in relation to different work-and health-related stressors. Methods A total of 18,734 individuals were invited to participate in the study, out of which 9,756 (52%) enrolled. Results The results demonstrate a clear and mostly linear relationship between higher prevalence of hearing problems (tinnitus or hearing loss or both) and different stressors, e.g. occupational, poorer self-rated health, long-term illness, poorer sleep quality, and higher burnout scores. Conclusions The present study unambiguously demonstrates associations between hearing problems and various stressors that have not been previously described for the auditory system. These findings will open new avenues for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hasson
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Muhr P, Rosenhall U. Self-assessed auditory symptoms, noise exposure, and measured auditory function among healthy young Swedish men. Int J Audiol 2010; 49:317-25. [PMID: 20192876 DOI: 10.3109/14992020903431280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of the exposure to ototraumatic factors and auditory symptoms, and to analyse the relations between these factors in a group of young healthy men. A total of 839 men, 19-22 years old, were recruited for the study when reporting for primary military service. A questionnaire was distributed and audiometry was performed. The prevalence of tinnitus, sensitivity to noise, and measured hearing impairment in the study group was 23.2%, 15.5%, and 14.5% respectively. Exposure to occupational noise often was reported by 21.4%, and playing loud music often by 16.5%. The young men who had experienced tinnitus after noise exposure had an elevated risk of high frequency hearing impairment, tinnitus, and sensitivity to noise. Those who played loud music had elevated prevalence values of tinnitus but not of hearing impairment. In this young group we observed high prevalence values of ototraumatic factors and auditory symptoms. We also observed significant correlations between tinnitus after noise exposure, self-assessed hearing symptoms, and hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Muhr
- The Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, and the Department of Audiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Using data from a population-based cohort study, we compared four published algorithms for identifying notched audiograms and compared their resulting classifications with noise exposure history. DESIGN Four algorithms: (1) , (2) , (3) , and (4) were used to identify notched audiograms. Audiometric evaluations were collected as a part of the 10-yr follow-up examinations of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study, in Beaver Dam, WI (2003-2005, N = 2395). Detailed noise exposure histories were collected by interview at the baseline examination (1993-1995) and updated at subsequent visits. An extensive history of occupational noise exposure, participation in noisy hobbies, and firearm usage was used to evaluate consistency of the notch classifications with the history of noise exposure. RESULTS The prevalence of notched audiograms varied greatly by definition (31.7, 25.9, 47.2, and 11.7% for methods 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively). In this cohort, a history of noise exposure was common (56.2% for occupational noise, 71.7% for noisy hobbies, 13.4% for firearms, and 81.2% for any of these three sources). Among participants with a notched audiogram, almost one-third did not have a history of occupational noise exposure (31.4, 33.0, 32.5, and 28.1% for methods 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively), and approximately 11% did not have a history of exposure to any of the three sources of noise (11.5, 13.6, 10.3, and 7.6%). Discordance was greater in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that there is a poor agreement across existing algorithms for audiometric notches. In addition, notches can occur in the absence of a positive noise history. In the absence of an objective consensus definition of a notched audiogram and in light of the degree of discordance in women between noise history and notches by each of these algorithms, researchers should be cautious about classifying noise-induced hearing loss by notched audiograms.
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Bexelius C, Honeth L, Ekman A, Eriksson M, Sandin S, Bagger-Sjöbäck D, Litton JE. Evaluation of an internet-based hearing test--comparison with established methods for detection of hearing loss. J Med Internet Res 2008; 10:e32. [PMID: 18940783 PMCID: PMC2629372 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Revised: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 10/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing impairment is most accurately measured by a clinical pure-tone audiogram. This method is not suitable for large-scale, population-based epidemiological studies as it requires that study participants visit a clinic with trained personnel. An alternative approach to measuring hearing ability is self-estimation through questionnaires, but the correlation to clinical audiometric tests varies. Objective To evaluate an Internet-based hearing test pilot compared to a question about self-estimated hearing and the feasibility of using an Internet-based hearing test and an Internet-based questionnaire in a population of 560 members of the Swedish Hunters’ Association in the age group 20-60 years. Methods An invitation was mailed to the participants in March 2007 together with the URL to the study Web site, a personal username, and a password. The Web site included the questionnaire, the hearing test, and instructions for participating in the study. The hearing test resembles a clinical audiogram presenting 6 tones between 500 and 8000 Hz. Tones are presented between 0 and 60 dB, and the participant responds to the tones by pressing the space bar. The hearing test requires headphones and is based on JAVA programming. Before the participant can start the hearing test, it has to be calibrated against a reference person with good hearing between 15 and 35 years of age. Results After 5 months, 162 out of 560 (29%) had answered the questionnaire, out of which 88 (16%) had completed the hearing test. Those who actively declined participation numbered 230 out of 560 (41%). After removing duplicates and hearing tests calibrated by unreliable reference data, 61 hearing tests remained for analysis. The prevalence of hearing impairment from the Internet-based hearing test was 20% (12 out of 61), compared to 52% (32 out of 61) from the self-estimated question. Those who completed the hearing test were older than the non-participants, and more had headphones (P = .003) and the correct version of the JAVA program (P = .007) than those who only answered the questionnaire. Conclusions Though an Internet-based hearing test cannot replace a clinical pure-tone audiogram conducted by a trained audiologist, it is a valid and useful screening tool for hearing ability in a large population carried out at a low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Bexelius
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Blanchet C, Pommie C, Mondain M, Berr C, Hillaire D, Puel JL. Pure-Tone Threshold Description of an Elderly French Screened Population. Otol Neurotol 2008; 29:432-40. [DOI: 10.1097/mao.0b013e3181719746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Hearing difficulty attributable to employment by industry and occupation: an analysis of the National Health Interview Survey--United States, 1997 to 2003. J Occup Environ Med 2008; 50:46-56. [PMID: 18188081 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181579316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the national burden of hearing difficulty among workers in US industries and occupations. METHODS Data on 130,102 employed National Health Interview Survey respondents between the ages of 18 to 65 years who were interviewed between 1997 and 2003 were analyzed to estimate the population prevalence, adjusted prevalence ratios, and fractions of hearing difficulty attributable to employment. RESULTS The estimated population prevalence of hearing difficulty was 11.4% (24% attributable to employment). The adjusted prevalence ratios of hearing difficulty were highest for railroads, mining, and primary metal manufacturing industry. Occupations with increased risk of hearing difficulty were mechanics/repairers, machine operators, and transportation equipment operators. CONCLUSIONS Hearing difficulty was differentially distributed across various industries. In industries with high rates, employers and workers should take preventive action to reduce the risk of occupational hearing loss.
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