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Hearing Function and Nutritional Status in Aviation Pilots from Spain Exposed to High Acoustic Damage. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204321. [PMID: 36297005 PMCID: PMC9612303 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most frequent and preventable occupational disease. Aviation pilots are a vulnerable population, as they spend many hours exposed to noise pollution in their working environment. Different studies suggest that certain dietary compounds may play a key role in the etiology and prevention of this pathology. We aimed to study the relationship linking auditory function, dietary intake, and some serum biomarkers in pilots, exposed to noise in the work environment. A total of 235 pilots, who undergo a periodic medical examination at the Centro de Instrucción de Medicina Aeroespacial (Madrid, SPAIN), were evaluated. Auditory function was assessed by tonal audiometry. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated by 24 h recall (DIALTM program). Serum homocysteine (Hcy) was determined in a Cobas 6000TM multi-analyzer while folate, vitamin B12, and D were analyzed in a Cobas e411TM. The prevalence of hearing loss (HL) was 64.3%. HL was significantly related to age (r = 0.588, p ≤ 0.001) and flight hours (r = 0.283, p ≤ 0.001). A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the relationship among HL, flight hours, serum folate, and Hcy serum levels. HL was significantly (p < 0.050) associated with flight hours (β = 0.246), serum folate (β = −0.143), and serum Hcy (β = 0.227). Nutritional interventions would be of great interest to monitor and slow down the HL progression in populations exposed to noise pollution in their workplace.
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Craner J. Audiometric data analysis for prevention of noise-induced hearing loss: A new approach. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:409-424. [PMID: 35289946 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23343] [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: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Compliance with noise regulations in the past three decades has significantly reduced workplace noise exposures, particularly in the loudest industries and occupations. However, the overall effectiveness of hearing conservation programs in preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss remains uncertain and unquantified, while the incidence and cost of occupational hearing loss remain inexplicably high. This review/commentary critically explores this paradox by examining why the billions of annual audiograms conducted worldwide have not been aggregately utilized or applied to predict early NIHL in groups of workers or to measure the efficacy of exposure controls. Principal contributory reasons include regulation of noise as a safety standard rather than as a health standard, the inherent complexity of audiometric data, and the lack of a standardized method of interpretation for audiograms. The unsuccessful history of efforts to develop and adopt methods and tools to analyze aggregate audiometric data is described. Consequently, the Standard Threshold Shift-a regulatorily defined, lagging indicator of individual, irreversible hearing loss that is not an effective preventive metric-remains the de facto standard of care. A population-based Best Practices approach is proposed to leverage the raw audiometric data already available and turn it into actionable data for effective secondary prevention to strategically manage and reduce occupational hearing loss risk. This approach entails statistical methods and information management tools necessary to transform audiometry from a compliance-driven, individual screening test with limited preventive capability into a medical surveillance process directly linked to aggregate corrective and prevention actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Craner
- Verdi Technology, Inc. Reno Nevada USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational & Environmental Medicine University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine San Francisco California USA
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Self-reported auditory problems are associated with adverse mental health outcomes and alcohol misuse in the UK Armed Forces. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:563-573. [PMID: 34480596 PMCID: PMC8934320 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Auditory problems, such as hearing loss and tinnitus, have been associated with mental health problems and alcohol misuse in the UK general population and in the US Armed Forces; however, few studies have examined these associations within the UK Armed Forces. The present study examined the association between auditory problems and probable common mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol misuse. METHODS 5474 serving and ex-service personnel from the UK Armed Forces were examined, selected from those who responded to phase two (data collection 2007-09) and phase three (2014-16) of a military cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between auditory problems at phase two and mental health problems at phase three. RESULTS 9.7% of participants reported ever experiencing hearing problems alone, 7.9% reported tinnitus within the last month alone, and 7.8% reported hearing problems with tinnitus. After adjustment, hearing problems with tinnitus at phase two was associated with increased odds of probable common mental disorders (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.09-2.08), post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.41-3.76), and alcohol misuse (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.28-2.96) at phase three. Tinnitus alone was associated with probable post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.03-3.15); however, hearing problems alone were not associated with any outcomes of interest. CONCLUSIONS The association between auditory problems and mental health problems emphasises the importance of the prevention of auditory problems in the Armed Forces: through enhanced audiometric screening, improved hearing protection equipment, and greater levels of utilisation of such equipment.
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Chen KH, Su SB, Chen KT. An overview of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among workers: epidemiology, pathogenesis, and preventive measures. Environ Health Prev Med 2020; 25:65. [PMID: 33129267 PMCID: PMC7603754 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00906-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world. The goal of this study was to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and preventive measures of ONIHL among workers and provide evidence for the implementation of control measures. Literature studies were identified from the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the search terms “noise-induced hearing loss” “prevalence”, “pathogenesis”, and “preventive measures”. The articles reviewed in this report were limited from 2000 to 2020. Articles that were not published in the English language, manuscripts without an abstract, and opinion articles were excluded. After a preliminary screening, all of the articles were reviewed and synthesized to provide an overview of the current status of ONIHL among workers. The mechanism of ONIHL among workers is a complex interaction between environmental and host factors (both genetic and acquired factors). The outcomes of noise exposure are different among individual subjects. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the treatment effect of antioxidants on ONIHL. Noise exposure may contribute to temporary or permanent threshold shifts; however, even temporary threshold shifts may predispose an individual to eventual permanent hearing loss. Noise prevention programs are an important preventive measure in reducing the morbidity of ONIHL among workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou-Huang Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Sanming University, Sanming, 365, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shih-Bin Su
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Kow-Tong Chen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital (managed by Show Chwan Medical Care Corporation), No. 670, Chongde Road, East District, Tainan, 701, Taiwan. .,Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701, Taiwan.
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Sun K, Azman AS, Camargo HE, Dempsey PG. Risk assessment of recordable occupational hearing loss in the mining industry. Int J Audiol 2019; 58:761-768. [PMID: 31282793 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2019.1622041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the hearing loss risk in different sectors and subunits in the mining industry and to identify associated occupations, in an attempt to locate gaps between hearing conservation efforts and hearing loss risks.Design: Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were generated by commodity types, subunit operations, and/or occupations. Temporal trends of the incidences of hearing loss were reported by commodity types.Study Sample: The MSHA Accident/Injury/Illness and MSHA Address/Employment databases from 2000 to 2014 were used.Results: Incidence rate of OHL was reported highest in the coal sector compared to other commodity types. Those members of the workforce that entered the mining industry after the year 2000 accounted for 6.5% and 19.0% of the total hearing loss records for coal and non-coal, respectively. High-risk occupations found in all three commodity sectors (coal; stone, sand, and gravel; and metal/non-metal) were electrician/helper/wireman, mechanic/repairman/helper, bulldozer/tractor operator, and truck driver.Conclusion: Hearing loss risks were not uniform across mining sectors, subunit operations, and occupations. In addition to the continuous efforts of implementing engineering controls to reduce machinery sound level exposure for operators, a multi-level approach may benefit those occupations with a more dynamic exposure profile - e.g., labour/utilityman/bullgang, electrician/helper/wireman, and mechanic/repairman/helper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kan Sun
- Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Amanda S Azman
- Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Hugo E Camargo
- Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
| | - Patrick G Dempsey
- Pittsburgh Mining Research Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health , Pittsburgh , PA , USA
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Almaayeh M, Al-Musa A, Khader YS. Prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among Jordanian industrial workers and its associated factors. Work 2018; 61:267-271. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-182797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yousef S. Khader
- Department of Community Medicine, Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science & Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Huh DA, Choi YH, Moon KW. The Effects of Earphone Use and Environmental Lead Exposure on Hearing Loss in the Korean Population: Data Analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2010-2013. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168718. [PMID: 28030613 PMCID: PMC5193416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although previous studies have reported that frequent earphone use and lead exposure are risk factors for hearing loss, most of these studies were limited to small populations or animal experiments. Several studies that presented the joint effect of combined exposure of noise and heavy metal on hearing loss were also mainly conducted on occupational workers exposed to high concentration. OBJECTIVES We investigated both the individual and joint effects of earphone use and environmental lead exposure on hearing loss in the Korean general population. METHODS We analyzed data from 7,596 Koreans provided by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) during the period 2010-2013. The pure-tone average (PTA) of hearing thresholds at 2, 3, and 4 kHz frequencies was computed, and hearing loss was defined as a PTA ≥ 25 dB in one or both ears. RESULTS A dose-response relationship in hearing loss with earphone use time and blood lead level is observed after adjustment for confounding factors. With a 1-hour increase in earphone use time and 1 μg/dL increase in blood lead concentration, the odds of hearing loss increased by 1.19 and 1.43 times, respectively. For hearing loss, the additive and multiplicative effect of earphone use and blood lead level were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Earphone use and environmental lead exposure have an individual effect on hearing loss in the general population. However, the estimated joint effect of earphone use and lead exposure was not statistically significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-An Huh
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Whan Moon
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Pelegrin AC, Canuet L, Rodríguez ÁA, Morales MPA. Predictive factors of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in Spanish workers: A prospective study. Noise Health 2015; 17:343-9. [PMID: 26356377 PMCID: PMC4900496 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.165064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of our study was to identify the main factors associated with objective noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), as indicated by abnormal audiometric testing, in Spanish workers exposed to occupational noise in the construction industry. We carried out a prospective study in Tenerife, Spain, using 150 employees exposed to occupational noise and 150 age-matched controls who were not working in noisy environments. The variables analyzed included sociodemographic data, noise-related factors, types of hearing protection, self-report hearing loss, and auditory-related symptoms (e.g., tinnitus, vertigo). Workers with pathological audiograms had significantly longer noise-exposure duration (16.2 ± 11.4 years) relative to those with normal audiograms (10.2 ± 7.0 years; t = 3.99, P < 0.001). The vast majority of those who never used hearing protection measures had audiometric abnormalities (94.1%). Additionally, workers using at least one of the protection devices (earplugs or earmuffs) had significantly more audiometric abnormalities than those using both protection measures simultaneously (Chi square = 16.07; P < 0.001). The logistic regression analysis indicates that the use of hearing protection measures [odds ratio (OR) = 12.30, confidence interval (CI) = 4.36-13.81, P < 0.001], and noise-exposure duration (OR = 1.35, CI = 1.08-1.99, P = 0.040) are significant predictors of NIHL. This regression model correctly predicted 78.2% of individuals with pathological audiograms. The combined use of hearing protection measures, in particular earplugs and earmuffs, associates with a lower rate of audiometric abnormalities in subjects with high occupational noise exposure. The use of hearing protection measures at work and noise-exposure duration are best predictive factors of NIHL. Auditory-related symptoms and self-report hearing loss do not represent good indicators of objective NIHL. Routine monitoring of noise levels and hearing status are of great importance as part of effective hearing conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Carballo Pelegrin
- MGO Group, SA, Department of Occupational Risk Prevention; Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
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Money A, Carder M, Hussey L, Agius RM. The utility of information collected by occupational disease surveillance systems. Occup Med (Lond) 2015; 65:626-31. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqv138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational illnesses, with a higher incidence in the heavy industry. Objectives of the Study: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of NIHL in Greece and explore its correlations with other job and individual-related factors. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were administered, and audiograms were conducted to 757 employees of a shipyard company in Greece, both white- and blue-collar, during the period 2006–2009. A modification of the 1979' equation of the American Academy of Otolaryngology was used to calculate hearing loss. Statistical analysis was conducted by means of the SPSS v. 17. Results: A 27.1% of the employees were hearing handicap. Hearing loss was correlated with age, past medical history of ear disease (Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, otosclerosis) or injury, hyperlipidemia, job title and level of education. A few questions on subjective hearing ability and symptoms showed strong discriminatory power of hearing pathology. Conclusions: The results of this study emphasize the burden of disease in the shipyard industry, and the need for continuous monitoring, implementation of preventive measures and hearing conservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos C Alexopoulos
- Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece ; School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
| | - Thomaella Tsouvaltzidou
- Department of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece ; GP Section, General Hospital of Aigio, Aigio, Greece
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Godderis L, Johannik K, Mylle G, Bulterys S, Moens G. Epidemiological and performance indicators for occupational health services: a feasibility study in Belgium. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:410. [PMID: 25236590 PMCID: PMC4180330 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In many European countries, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) providers report their activities and results annually. Ideally, this report should offer an overview of their activities and of the outcome regarding occupational health and safety. To establish a set of epidemiological and performance indicators for electronic reporting of data that can be used for OHS surveillance and prevention purposes. Consequently, the selected data can serve as indicators for exposure to and prevention of occupational risks (epidemiology), and contribute to the evaluation of the functioning (performance) of OHS providers. Methods An extensive literature search in combination with an investigation of existing reporting models was performed. The resulting list of potential indicators was assessed by different stakeholders and divided into indicators for epidemiology and for performance. Then in a feasibility study, the relevance and availability of the indicators were assessed in 17 external, 49 internal (in company) and 10 mixed OHS providers. Results From the literature survey, we obtained 1100 indicators. After validation, 257 were taken into account in the feasibility study. An indicator was considered relevant when more than 2/3 of the respondents answered in favour of the indicator. The same criterion was applied for availability. Respectively, 82% and 62% of the performance and epidemiological indicators were considered to be relevant for external OHS providers. All relevant performance indicators were available. Of the epidemiological data, only 53% were available. Remarkably, internal OHS providers assessed fewer indicators as relevant (29% and 27% of performance and epidemiology indicators respectively), but these were mostly all available (90%). Conclusions This study shows that it is possible to provide a snapshot of the state of OHS by means of the registration of data. These findings could be used to build a data warehouse to study national health and safety profiles and to develop a uniform report for all European countries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6963-14-410) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lode Godderis
- Groep IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Interleuvenlaan 58, Heverlee 3001, Belgium.
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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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Surveillance épidémiologique et vigilance en milieu professionnel : place du réseau européen MODERNET. ARCH MAL PROF ENVIRO 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.admp.2012.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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