Abstract
In the NT Hearing Study (1995–1997), air-conduction thresholds were obtained using sound attenuation booths. This report is based on 27<th>997 subjects selected in a nested, case-control study to receive follow-up questionnaires on work and leisure noise exposures. Cases with low-frequency hearing loss (HL)—speech frequencies 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz—were defined by a pure-tone average (PTA) exceeding 30 dB in the better ear. A second case series with only high-frequency HL was defined by PTA exceeding 30 dB at 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. Controls were defined by PTAs less than 30 dB in both ears. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were stratified by sex and age. Family history of HL and recurrent ear infections in childhood were significant risk factors across all sex and age strata. Among men under 50, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53–2.28] for high-frequency HL was found for loud noise at work, an OR=1.35 (CI: 1.08–1.69) for use of noisy equipment, and OR=1.09 (CI: 1.02–1.17) for hunting/sport shooting. Low-frequency HL was related to occupational noise exposures in older (50+ years), but not younger men. Tinnitus was associated with occupational noise exposure at all ages.
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