Abstract
Background: Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) is a gradual and irreversible age-dependent decline in auditory function. There is still no consensus on the long-term functional effects of noise exposure on ARHL. Objective: This study aimed to compare the prevalence of ARHL in an elderly population occupationally exposed to noise in a non-exposed population. Methods: The population was divided into two groups: a group of 482 subjects professionally exposed to noise for over 10 years and a group of 1129 non-exposed subjects. Among the exposed subjects, a subgroup of 298 who worked for over 10 years in the glassware industry was selected. All the participants underwent a thorough otorhinolaryngological examination. Results: The presence of ARHL was found in 81% of exposed subjects and in 4% of non-exposed subjects. In the sub-group of glassware workers, the prevalence was 88%. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between previous occupational exposure to noise and ARHL (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.067-1.124; p = 0.0012) and between exposure to the glassware industry and ARHL (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.78-1.96; p = 0.006). Conclusion: Consistent with recent studies, we found a significantly higher prevalence of ARHL among workers exposed to noise; however, further studies are needed to support these findings.
Highlights
The environmental and occupational health risk factors due to exposure to chemical, carcinogenic, physical and biological agents are heterogeneous [1 - 20].Noise is a physical agent that causes noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
Consistent with recent studies, we found a significantly higher prevalence of Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) among workers exposed to noise; further studies are needed to support these findings
In the subgroup of 298 subjects who worked for over 10 years in the glassware industry, ARHL was found in 262 subjects (88% prevalence) (Table 3)
Summary
The environmental and occupational health risk factors due to exposure to chemical, carcinogenic, physical and biological agents are heterogeneous [1 - 20].Noise is a physical agent that causes noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). ARHL is a well-recognized condition in older age, with a high prevalence in the general population of approximately 20% in individuals over 65 years old but increasing to 65% in individuals over 85 years old [35] Both age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) may share pathophysiological mechanisms in that they are associated with excessive free radical formation and cochlear blood flow reduction, leading to cochlear damage [36]. They can be distinguished only on the basis of the period in which they occur and the specific risk factors with which they are associated. There is still no consensus on the long-term functional effects of noise exposure on ARHL
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