A study of occupational noise-induced hearing loss using pure tone audiometry in disc jockeys of Bhavnagar

Abstract

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by repeated exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, exposure to very loud impulse sound(s), or a combination of both. Aim and Objective: This study aims to find the magnitude of occupational NIHL in disc jockeys (DJs) of Bhavnagar. Materials and Methods: Thirty professional DJs were compared to same number of healthy controls, who were never exposed to any kind of the occupational noise on the measure of pure tone audiometry as measured by manual recording audiometer “ALPS.” The audiometry parameters were compared in between the two groups and significant difference between hearing threshold for air conduction in both the ears was sought for. The data collection was included personal data, occupational history, history related to other causes of hearing loss, and results of pure tone audiometry. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings from this study and the statistical analysis of the data showed a significant difference of hearing threshold in both the ears between the control and study groups at all the frequencies measured. Conclusion: We concluded from this study that DJ players are at high risk for developing occupational NIHL.