Abstract
Firefighters are susceptible to auditory dysfunction due to long-term exposure to noise from sirens, air horns, equipment, and tools used in forcible entry, ventilation, and extrication. In addition, they are exposed to ototoxic chemicals, particularly, during overhaul operations. Studies indicate that 40% of firefighters have hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is often accompanied by tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing noise in the ears. The presence of phantom sounds can adversely affect the performance of firefighters. However, there has been limited research conducted on the prevalence of tinnitus in firefighters. We enrolled firefighters from Michigan, with at least 5 years of continuous service. The hearing handicap inventory for adults (HHIA) was used to determine the difficulty in hearing perceived by the firefighters and the tinnitus functional index (TFI) was used to determine the severity of tinnitus. Self-perceived hearing handicap was reported by 36% of the participants, while tinnitus was reported by 48% of the participants. The TFI survey indicated that 31% perceived tinnitus as a problem. More importantly, self-perceived hearing handicap was significantly associated with the incidence of tinnitus in firefighters, suggesting a potential link between occupational exposure to ototraumatic agents and tinnitus in firefighters.
Highlights
Hearing loss, the third-most common chronic physical condition in American adults, can significantly affect quality of life and productivity [1]
Career firefighters, who have worked for a minimum of 5 continuous years, were included in the study, while those with a familial history of hearing loss, middle ear disease, other serious ailments, or large differences in the hearing threshold (>40 dB) between left and right ear were excluded from the study
42 42 firefighters who participated this study report tinnitus, perceive tinnitus a problem, 9% perceived in this study diddid notnot report tinnitus, 17%17%
Summary
The third-most common chronic physical condition in American adults, can significantly affect quality of life and productivity [1]. Exposure to ototraumatic agents, such as noise, chemicals, and heavy metals, in environmental and occupational settings, is a critical factor in acquired hearing loss. The synergistic interaction between some of these ototraumatic agents can potentiate auditory dysfunction in susceptible individuals. First responders are extremely vulnerable to such adverse synergistic effects, as they are frequently exposed to various combinations of environmental risk factors in their day-to-day activities. Firefighters are at risk of hearing impairment due to long-term exposure to occupational noise from sirens, water pumps, saws, and other equipment that make excessive noise [2].
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