Abstract
Noise-induced permanent threshold shifts (NIPTS) were computed from retrospective audiometric analyses by subtracting aging effects on hearing sensitivity in sixty-eight patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss who reported significant occupational noise exposure histories. There were significant effects of age on NIPTS but no significant gender- or ear- differences in terms of NIPTS. The NIPTS at 2,000 Hz was found to be significantly greater than NIPTS at frequencies 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, and 8,000 Hz. Defined noise notches were seen in the audiograms of 38/136 (27%) ears with SNHL. Results support models that suggest interactive effects of aging and noise on sensorineural hearing loss in ears with occupational noise exposure.
Highlights
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as bilateral sensorineural hearing loss that develops slowly over a period of several years as the result of exposure to continuous or intermittent loud noise in the workplace
Age- and gender- corrected Noise-induced permanent threshold shifts (NIPTS) data obtained at audiometric frequencies on both ears of all subjects above were statistically analyzed to study the effects of age, gender, ear, and audiometric frequency
Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA) were conducted on NIPTS data obtained above to evaluate the effects of various factors with repeated measures on the audiometric frequency factor
Summary
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as bilateral sensorineural hearing loss that develops slowly over a period of several years as the result of exposure to continuous or intermittent loud noise in the workplace. Tinnitus and NIHL have been commonly reported in military personnel who are routinely exposed to occupational noise [1]. Estimates suggest that large numbers (approximating between 5 and 30 million) Americans are exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace [2]. About one out of every four workers will develop permanent hearing loss [3]. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss can significantly influence worker. The first sign of hearing loss from noise exposure is a notching of the audiogram at 3,000, 4,000, or 6,000
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
