Earmuffs Research Articles

Hearing protection and damage mitigation in Chinchillas exposed to repeated low-intensity blasts

Repeated exposures to blast overpressure (BOP) introduce hearing complaints in military service members even with the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Although epidemiology and animal studies have been performed to investigate the damage formation mechanism of blast-induced hearing damage, there is still a lack of understanding and therapeutic solutions, especially for HPD-protected ears. Recent studies revealed the potential therapeutic function of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, to facilitate post-blast hearing restoration in chinchillas. This study is a continuation and summary of the previous studies performed by Jiang et al. (2021, 2022) to investigate the damage mitigation function of liraglutide treatment in chinchillas with open and protected ears after repeated low-intensity blast exposures within 28 days of observation.Chinchillas were divided into six experimental groups: pre-blast treatment, post-blast treatment, and blast control with ears open or protected by earplug (EP). All animals were exposed to six consecutive blasts at the level of 3–5 psi (21–35 kPa) on Day 1. Hearing function tests including auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and middle latency response (MLR) were performed on Day 1 (pre- and post-blast) and Days 4, 7, 14, and 28 after blast exposure.Results indicated that the damage mitigation function of the liraglutide treatment in the open-ear chinchillas was reflected by the significantly lower ABR threshold shifts in the drug treatment groups than in the blast controls. In EP groups, the higher ABR wave I/V ratio and lower MLR amplitude observed in the drug-treated chinchillas suggested that the post-blast hyperactivities in the auditory system might be potentially ameliorated by the liraglutide treatment. The 28-day-long experiment showed the effect of liraglutide treatment increased with time in both open and EP groups.This study demonstrated that the use of HPDs prevented the blast-induced complications in the middle ear and reduced the damage caused in the central auditory system. The liraglutide treatment showed an effect increasing with time and different outcomes in open and EP chinchillas. This innovation in the animal model of chinchilla provides insights to investigate subtle changes in the higher-level structures of the auditory system.

Pengaruh Tingkat Kebisingan Mesin Kapal terhadap Fungsi Pendengaran dan Stress Kerja pada Teknisi Mesin Kapal

This study aimed to determine the effect of ship engine noise level on hearing function and work stress on ship engine technicians. The data collection process was carried out within 30 days, from 15 February 2021 to 15 March 2021. This study took a collation at the Merak port of Banten. The method used is a survey using research subjects, ship engine technicians, and the object of research is noise. This study uses primary data in engine maintenance design and the intensity of noise distribution on the ship's engine. The research sample was 2 units of machines with engine criteria aged 1 year and 6 years. The equipment used in this study is a sound level meter, an object to measure the noise that has been calibrated. This research uses the descriptive analysis method. The results showed that the noise value at full rpm was 70.3-104 dB (A) and 59.2-77.5 dB (A) when in a stationary state. Referring to the data, the age of the machine does not affect the noise level. As a preventive measure against something that can become an obstacle regarding noise on board, it is necessary to use ear protection devices such as ear protection devices called earplugs. Noise can be minimized by regularly lubricating the engine and installing silencers to prevent sound from spreading to other rooms so that it can reduce the risk due to noise that causes stress, headaches, high blood pressure and other diseases

Effects of coexposure to noise and mixture of toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (TEXS) on hearing loss in petrochemical workers of southern China.

Many harmful factors existing simultaneously with noise are reported to induce hearing impairment, such as organic solvents. However, the existing hearing safety limits and current risk assessment for hearing loss rely on single noise exposure. It is urgent to clarify the combined effect of noise and other harmful factors on hearing loss. Petrochemical workers are always exposed to noise and organic solvents, mainly benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS), while the combined effect of their coexposure on hearing remains unclear. Herein we conducted a cross-sectional survey, measuring pure-tone audiometry of 1496 petrochemical workers in southern China. Participants exposed to BTEXS were 569, 524, 156, 452, and 177 respectively. Individual cumulative noise exposure (CNE) levels and BTEXS exposure were assessed. The average CNE was 93.27 ± 4.92dB(A)·years, and the concentrations of BTEXS were far below the occupational exposure limits of China. Logistic regression analyses showed that CNE was consistently positively associated with hearing loss (HL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) but not related to speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL). Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of CNE, those in the highest quartile showed an OR of 5.229 (95% CI: 3.179, 8.598) for HFHL. Two-pollutant model analysis indicated that TEXS exposure was positively associated with HL (OR 1.679, 95%CI 1.086, 2.597), SFHL (OR 2.440, 95%CI 1.255, 4.744), and HFHL (OR 1.475, 95%CI 1.077, 2.020). However, no interactions were observed between CNE and TEXS coexposure on hearing loss. In our study, covariates including smoking and drinking status, body mass index (BMI), ear protection and personal protective equipment, and use of earphone/headphone were adjusted. In conclusion, coexposure to noise and low-level TEXS could induce more severe damage on hearing function than exposure to each alone, especially SFHL. Therefore, petrochemical workers simultaneously exposed to noise and TEXS, even at low-level, should be included in hearing protection programs.

PERANCANGAN ALAT PENDETEKSI LEVEL BAHAYA KEBISINGAN AREA KERJA BERBASIS ARDIUNO UNO

Noise hazards can occur in almost all work areas and can be sourced from various work equipment. The sound category included in the noise hazard is sound with an intensity of more than 70 dB. In areas where sound has an intensity of more than 70 dB, it is recommended to use hearing protection devices such as ear plugs, while if the sound intensity is more than 80 dB, you must use ear muffs. The work area is usually only given a warning board to use hearing protection equipment, but there is no noise hazard detection device that can give real-time warnings. The purpose of this study is to design a tool that can detect and measure noise levels in a work area. This tool uses the fc-04 tool as a noise level reader which then gives a signal to the Arduino Uno microcontroller which will classify the sound level into 3 levels, namely low, medium and high which are displayed on the LCD board and use 3 LED (green, yellow and red) as an indicator of the level of noise hazard and a warning to use hearing protection.

CHARACTERISTICS RELATIONSHIP OF WORKERS AND INTENSITY OF WORK ENVIRONMENT NOISE WITH TINNITUS COMPLAINTS IN GAS INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN SIDOARJO

Introduction: Industrial progress is characterized by the increasing use of machinery in factory which has a negative impact on workers' health, one of which is tinnitus symptoms. Tinnitus is a hearing loss due to exposure to noise. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of worker characteristics and intensity of work environment noise with tinnitus symptoms in gas industry workers in Sidoarjo. Methods: Based on the study design, this study used analytic research, in terms of time including cross-sectional research. Research variables include age, years of service, noise intensity and tinnitus symptoms. Data are from observation, measurement, questionnaire filling and interview. Result: The results showed that there was a relationship between noise intensity and tinnitus symptoms (p = 0.033). There was no relationship between the age of workers and tinnitus symptoms (p = 1.000). There was no significant relationship between years of work (p = 0.505) with tinnitus symptoms suffered by workers at PT. X Sidoarjo Gas Industry. There was no association between exposure pattern and complaints of tinnitus (p=0.165). Conclusion: So as to reduce the risk of tinnitus complaints the company can apply the use of ear protector for workers and install silencers that can absorb sound with high noise intensity such as glasswool, rockwool, foam, cellulose fiber and acourete fiber carpets to reduce noise.

2D Modeling and finite element calculation of the response of the tympanic membrane of the human ear equipped with a Personal Ear Protection (PEP)

2D Modeling and finite element calculation of the response of the tympanic membrane of the human ear equipped with a Personal Ear Protection (PEP)

Factors Related to Hearing Complaints Due to Noise on Furniture Workers in Medan City – Indonesia.

Every workplace has always various potential risk that can affect the health of the workers or can cause work-related illnesses. One of the physical conditions and work environment that is dangerous is noise. The higher intensity of noise and the longer the workers are exposed to noise, the higher the risk of workers experiencing hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of risk factors with noise due to hearing disorder in furniture workers along Jalan Pahlawan in Medan City, Sumatera Utara Province, Indonesia, 2019.This study was an observational analytic study with a cross sectional research design. This study uses a population of furniture workers along Jalan Pahlawan and using accidental sampling in the sampling method of 30 respondents. Data was carried out by measuring the noise intensity in the work area of ​​furniture production and give questionnaires to 30 respondents who are working. Data analysis techniques used are univariate and bivariate analysis. The results of the study show that there is a relationship between noise intensity and hearing disorder (p=0,001<α=0,05); there is a relationship between the age of the worker and hearing disorder (p=0,000<α=0,05); there is a relationship between period of work with hearing disorder (p=0,025<α=0,05); there is a duration of work relationship with hearing disorder (p=0,010<α=0,05); there is a relationship between the use of ear protector and hearing disorder(p=0.001<α=0,05) in furniture workers along Jalan Pahlawan in Medan City.

A CABINE DOS Can the tractor's cabin allow the noise at the operator's station?PODE ATENUAR O RUÍDO NO POSTO DO OPERADOR?

Constant exposure to high noise levels can cause health problems for agricultural machinery operators. Machines equipped with closed cabs can attenuate noise and preserve the operator from an unhealthy condition. Some studies show that in cabin tractors it is possible to renounce the use of hearing protection, however indoor equipment and air conditioning can reach high levels of noise, which need to be further investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the noise emitted by a cabined agricultural tractor, in different points, inside and outside cabin, in the engine rotations of 800rpm, 2180rpm and 2500rpm. In each reading, 100 noise intensity values were automatically collected, over two minutes with the aid of a digital decibel meter device. The results were compared with the levels assumed by Annex 1 of the regulatory Brazilian standard NR 15, and it was found that the cabin was able to isolate the noise emitted by the engine and its external components in 15%, however, the internal noise reached 81dB(A). The cabin can attenuate external noise and offer a healthy working environment, however, in long working hours it is recommended to use personal protective equipment such as ear protectors.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Police Officers: Systematic Review.

Introduction:Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is defined as the sensorineural hearing loss caused by acute acoustic trauma or chronic exposure to high-intensity noises. Exposure to noises can lead to irreversible damage to the inner ear and, consequently, to a permanent shift of the hearing threshold. Police officers are particularly at risk of acute or chronic hearing damages. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hearing loss of police officers in relation to the occupational risk factors and clinical-anamnestic characteristics by collecting and analyzing existing data and evidence available in public databases.Materials and Methods:A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses group (PRISMA). Studies were included if they met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted independently by two researchers. Results:Our initial literature search yielded 29 peer-reviewed articles. Out of 29 papers, only 10 were included in the review, after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied the.Conclusions:Hypertension, smoking and alcohol intake significantly affect hearing performance. In addition, a history of acoustic trauma, use of ototoxic drugs, exposure to noise in leisure-time activities and failure to use ear protectors are often found in a fair number of subjects. NIHL is also related to the age of the subjects as well as the extent and duration of noise exposure. Furthermore, NIHL is also influenced by shooting practice sessions police officers are required to undertake as well as by the chronic exposure to traffic noise, especially in motorcycle police officers.

EVALUATING COMPLIANCE OF CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY RULES AS A COMPLIMENTARY TOOL TO PROJECT COMPLETION WITHIN BUDGET LIMIT

The Systematic flow process necessary for a successful delivery of building project requires the collective wisdom of the construction team. Thus making construction site a very busy and dangerous place to work in due to the manifold of work items going on simultaneously. Owing to the risk inherent in construction sites, this study focuses on the evaluation of compliance to safety rules on construction sites that can serve as complementary tools in completing a building project within the budget. A project that is not completed on or within the budget limit is an indication of poor quality administration of construction process. The study adopts the focus group techniques to observe that inadequate safety protocols can increase insurance costs as a result of worker’s compensation claims and law suits due to construction site accidents. The following were among the very quality result oriented construction sites safety rules. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like the Hi-vis Vest, ear muffs and hard hats at all times, keeping a tidy site and prompt report of defective equipment. Not only does safety on construction sites protect workers, it also keeps the public safe and consequently helps to maintain the construction cost within approved limit.

Comparing the effect of two methods of using ear protective device on pain intensity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A randomized clinical trial.

Background:Severe pain is the most prevalent complication after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). The aim of this study is to compare the impact of two methods using ear protective devices on pain intensity in patients undergoing CABG.Materials and Methods:The present randomized clinical trial was conducted between October 2019 and February 2020. The participants included 84 patients undergoing CABG, who were randomly divided into two intervention groups (A, B) and a control group. On the first night after the heart surgery, ear protective devices were used for the patients in group A during the evening and night sleep, while they were used in group B only during the night sleep. A demographic questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were the data collection tools used in this study. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, paired t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.Results:Before the intervention, the mean (SD) of pain intensity in the two intervention groups (A, B) and the control group was 6.46 (1.71), 6.32 (1.36), and 6.54 (1.45), respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups (F2,81 = 0.14; p = 0.86). However, after the intervention, the mean (SD) of pain intensity in the two intervention groups (A, B) and the control group was 3.39 (1.87), 4.46 (1.55), and 6.39 (1.54), respectively, which showed a significant difference (F2,81 = 23.37; p < 0.001).Conclusions:The use of ear protective device is recommended as a non-invasive and accessible way of reducing pain intensity in patients after CABG.

Hearing loss and its associated factors among metal workshop workers at Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is a permanent sensorineural deficiency, which is caused by exposure to excessive noise sound. Although noise-induced hearing loss due to industrialization is a main public health problem in Ethiopia, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss are scarce.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss among workers at a metal workshop in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed among 300 participants using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. In the multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p < 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.ResultsThe prevalence of hearing loss among metal workshop workers was 30.7% [95% CI: (25.7, 35.7)]. Age between 30 and 44 years [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 7.1], age between 45 and 65 years [AOR = 3.8; 95% CI (1.5, 9.5)], cigarette smoking [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.5], working area noise level >85 dB [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 6.5], working experience of 6–10 years [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 6.0], working experience >10 years [AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3], and using ear protection devices [AOR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6] were significantly associated with hearing loss.ConclusionThe prevalence of hearing loss was considerably high. This study revealed that advanced age, cigarette smoking, increased working area noise level, and working experiences were found to increase the odds of having hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to emphasize metal workshop workers that are at high risk of hearing loss and develop preventive strategies to reduce the burden of this problem. Besides, minimizing working area noise levels, proper utilization of ear protection devices, and creating awareness about the impact of hearing loss are recommended.

ALAT PELINDUNG TELINGA (EAR MUFF) DALAM MEREDUKSI TEKANAN DARAH TENAGA KERJA TERPAPAR KEBISINGAN

Noise is the presence of unwanted loud noises by workers that can be harmful and cause emotional stress and affect hormone production, resulting in increased blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can be reduced by wearing ear protection for workers who are exposed to noise. This study aims to analyze the use of ear protective equipment in an effort to reduce the blood pressure of workers who are exposed to noise.&#x0D; The method used in this research is a field experiment with the same subject (labor) as the unit of analysis, namely the process of comparing the blood pressure of workers before and after work and wearing ear protection. This study used Wilcoxon to analyze the difference in the blood pressure of workers before and after wearing ear protection, and the chi-square test was used with the aim of seing the effect of labor characteristics on increasing blood pressure.&#x0D; The results of this study showed changes in blood pressure, these changes can be seen by the difference between blood pressure before work and after work by wearing ear protection with a value of p= 0,000. and the results of the chi-square test obtained a value of p = 0.401 (p&gt;0.05) which means that age has no effect on blood pressure, smoking habits (p= 0.693) which means that smoking has no effect on blood pressure and years of service (p=0,590) which means that years of service do not affect the blood pressure of workers.&#x0D; After the workers were treated by wearing ear protective equipment their blood pressure decreased, thus there was a difference in the blood pressure of the workers before and after treatment. But on the characteristics of the workforce there is no effect on the increase in blood pressure. Suggestions that can be given to the industry are socialization about the application of proper use of ear protective equipment and providing ear protection equipment (earmuffs) in the workplace.&#x0D; Keywords: Noise, Ear Protection, Blood Pressure&#x0D; &#x0D;

Saúde Ocupacional aplicada aos Pavimentadores de Estradas

Introduction/framework/objectives It is not uncommon for Occupational Health teams to have a client in the road paving sector; however, literature for this area is sparse. The aim of this article is to summarize the most pertinent and recent articles published on the subject. Methodology This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in August 2021 in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”. Contents The IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) classified the asphalt used for paving roads as possibly carcinogenic to humans (group 2b), due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. However, epidemiological studies do not show clear evidence of a higher incidence/prevalence of diseases of this type, although the risk may be different, depending on the route of entry (inhaled versus cutaneous) and the specific composition. There are also aliphatic hydrocarbons, cyclic alkanes and heterocyclic compounds. The association with different types of cancers is inconclusive but still stronger for lung versus skin. Some of these substances can cause chromosomal instability which, in turn, some argue that it can lead to cancer pathology. Discussion and Conclusions In the research carried out there was only data related to the chemical agents inserted in the asphalt; no references were found to other Occupational Risk/Risks Factors, such as other chemical agents, dust; noise, cut, vibrations associated with different machines; physical loads/efforts, forced/maintained postures, falling to the same level or at different levels, and eventual burial; ultraviolet radiation and thermal discomfort or trampling. As for the chemical risk, most authors consider that some substances included in the composition of the asphalt, especially under certain technical conditions (equipment, temperature, asphalt subtypes), may be carcinogenic to humans. However, even at this level, collective or individual protection measures are not mentioned, in order to provide concrete guidance for those who have clients in this sector. In the context of the former, it can be assumed that it would be pertinent to promote the rotation of tasks, to choose the types of asphalt considered less toxic (whenever possible) and the equipment that worked at lower temperatures, with less noise and vibrations; promote good maintenance of machines and purchase safer models; as well as organizing training and access to adequate Occupational Health services. In turn, at the level of Personal Protective Equipment, one could use mask/visor, hat/cap, uniform, glasses (for ultraviolet radiation and entry of foreign bodies), sun protection cream, ear protection, gloves (for cutting/abrasion and/or vibration), knee braces and/or abdominal restraint straps. It would be important for some Occupational Health teams working in the area to better study the sector and develop valid knowledge about the gaps mentioned, disseminated through publication in journals of the area. KEYWORDS: road paving, road pavers, occupational health, occupational medicine and occupational risks.

Correlation between Workers’ Characteristics and Workplace Noise with Subjective Hearing Disorders in Textile Industry

Introduction: The textile manufacturing industry has a noisy work environment as a result of the weaving machines which have a noise intensity exceeding the threshold value. Noise can cause complaints of hearing disorders. Other factors that influence hearing disorders are agework period, and the use of ear protection equipment. This study aims to analyze the relationship between age, work period, the use of ear protection equipment, and noise intensity on complaints of subjective hearing disorders in the AJL Weaving Department of Textile Industry. Method: This research was a descriptive observational study with a cross sectional approach. Data were obtained by measuring noise intensity and distributing questionnaires to workers. Respondents in this study amounted to 45 people who were the total population of weaving operators and maintenance workers in the AJL Weaving Department of Textile Industry. Results: The results of this study indicate that age and work period have a sufficient relationship with complaints of subjective hearing disorders, while the use of ear protection equipment has a weak relationship with complaints of subjective hearing disorders, and noise intensity has a strong relationship with complaints of subjective hearing disorders. Conclusion: Individual characteristics only have a weak to moderate relationship with subjective hearing complaints. Meanwhile, exposure to noise intensity has a strong relationship with subjective hearing complaints.

The Effect of Earmuff and Earplug Use on Preterm Infants Towards Oxygen Saturation and Pulse

Background: A bright circumstance, cold temperature with loud noise where there are many activities around could influence baby’s sleep.Objective: This study aimed to identify the effect of using earmuffs and earplugs on the physiological response of preterm infants.Methods: This crossover study involved 15 medically stable preterm infants treated in a closed incubator. It used the consecutive sampling technique where the babies’ physiological response using Anderson Behavioral State Scale was observed for 30 seconds every 15 minutes for two hours of using earmuff and earplug.Results: The result of repeated ANOVA analysis showed that there is no significant difference of pulse repetition frequency before, during, and after using the earmuff and earplug to preterm infants. Meanwhile, statistically, there was a difference in the mean of oxygen saturation during and after using the earmuff with p = 0.019.Conclusion: The use of ear protection (earmuff and earplug) could assist and support premature infants in maintaining physiological condition. This study therefore suggests the use of earplugs earlier on preterm infants.Keywords: earmuffs, earplugs, premature, physiological responses

Loud noise in early development wrecks zebrafish hearing

It used to be rare to see people in noisy industrial situations wearing ear defenders. Now, bulky ear protection is everywhere, as we appreciate the damage that can be done to hearing even after short periods of loud sound. But are other species also falling prey to human noise pollution encroaching on their environments? ‘Few studies have evaluated long-term noise effects on animal health and even less have focused on early critical periods for the development and establishment of adult characteristics’, says Raquel Vasconcelos from the University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China, who, with Rafael Lara (University of Saint Joseph) began wondering what impact loud sound might have on the developing ears of zebrafish larvae. ‘Zebrafish have become an important model to investigate the mechanisms of inner ear development and hair cell development’, says Vasconcelos, adding that this made the embryos an ideal candidate for the investigation.Lara played loud (150 dB) white noise to the developing embryos for the first 3 and 5 days post-fertilisation (dpf) of the eggs, then collected the zebrafish larvae around the time of hatching (3 dpf) and 2 days later (5 dpf), the age at which they begin to flee when startled. ‘150 dB is a sound amplitude [volume] representative of freshwater habitats characterized by anthropogenic noise activity such as shipping’, says Vasconcelos. Then, Lara tested the youngsters’ hearing by recording the electrical signals produced by their ears as they listened to 100, 200, 300 and 400 Hz beeps. Although the hearing of the 3 dpf embryos didn't suffer too badly, that of the 5 dpf embryos was quite badly affected, especially when listening to the two deeper beeps; their hearing sensitivity plummeted by ∼7 dB. But what impact would this hearing loss have on an embryo's ability to escape a threat?This time, Lara, with colleagues from Macao and from South University of Science and Technology in mainland China, played the 5 dpf larvae a series of soft beeps, at either 100 or 200 Hz, before startling them with a loud (150 dB) beep at the same pitch while filming their reactions. The team realised that the loud noise experienced by the larvae as they developed had made them more sensitive to startling sounds, nipping off 41% faster (∼6 mm s−1 at 100 Hz and ∼8 mm s−1 at 200 Hz), compared with larvae that had developed without the persistent loud noise (∼4 mm s−1 at 100 Hz and ∼6 mm s−1 at 200 Hz).Finally, the team was curious to find out how loud noise affected the structure of the larvae's inner ears. When they viewed the sound-sensitive hair cells in the tiny fish inner ears, in addition to losing ∼21% of their hair cells at 3 dpf (down from 49 hair cells to 38 in fish that developed in a noisy tank) the fish also lost 19% of their hair cells at 5 dpf. The total area of the inner ear that can sense sound was also smaller in the fish from a noisy tank.The young fish that developed in a noisy environment had definitely suffered hearing loss as a result of their loud upbringing. ‘The results reveal noise-induced effects on inner ear structure–function in a larval fish’, says Vasconcelos, adding that it is essential to find out how noise impacts developing youngsters, as they may suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Prevention of external auditory canal exostosis in the Colorado whitewater community.

External auditory canal exostoses (EACE) are bony formations that develop insidiously in the auditory meatus from chronic exposure to cold water and, in severe cases, require surgery. This condition has been understudied in the whitewater kayakers and not yet studied in the riverboarding population. Precautions such as earplugs are thought to prevent the formation of EACE because they mechanically block cold water from contacting the sensitive skin in the external auditory canal; however, earplugs are not commonly utilized by athletes. Inquiring about hobbies and the use of protective equipment can be done during osteopathic physicians' preventive care visits. This article aims to determine the prevalence of EACE in Colorado whitewater athletes and their attitudes about wearing ear protection before and after an educational intervention directed at increasing awareness and prevention of EACE. In July 2020, participants of this cross-sectional study completed a 10-min survey that collected demographics, whitewater experience, and perceptions of EACE, followed by an educational intervention. Participant ears were photographed utilizing a digital otoscope to assess EACE, and severity ratings were categorized into one of four occlusion levels: none (0%), mild (<25%), moderate (25-75%), or severe (>75%). Spearman correlation coefficientsand Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were utilized to assess changes in attitudes before and after the educational intervention. Eighty-one participants (mean [SD] age=36.3 [12.6] years, 25.9% female) completed the study: 74 kayakers and seven riverboarders. After the intervention, 60.5% (49/81) (p<0.001) reported greater understanding of EACE and 75.0% (60/80) were more likely to wear ear protection (p<0.001). Most (58.0%, 47/81) never wore ear protection. Of the 61 (75.0%) participants with at least one ear severity rating, most (55.7%, 34/61) had moderate EACE, 29.5% (18/61) had no to mild EACE, and 14.8% (9/61) had severe EACE (p<0.001). Impaired hearing was the biggest barrier to utilizing ear protection (51.6%, 33/64). Our results suggested that the educational intervention improved understanding of EACE and may increase utilization of ear protection in this population. Such prevention efforts may lead to better health of whitewater paddlers by reducing the incidence of EACE. Encouraging osteopathic physicians to inquire about hobbies and protective equipment during primary care preventive visits is essential to help keep athletes in the river doing what they love for longer, contributing to a healthier and happier whole person.

Relationship between Individual Characteristics and Hearing Complaints in Home Industry Workers

Introduction: Home metal industry is an informal industry activity engaged in the manufacture of metal. The process of metal-making crates noise that causes hearing loss complaints in workers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between workers’ individual characteristics and hearing complaints in metal-making home industry workers in Ngingas North Village, Sidoarjo Regency. Methods: This research used an analytic observational method with a cross sectional design. The population was 28 workers, and the research samples were 23 workers in the metal cutting and welding areas, determined using a purposive sampling technique referring to the inclusion criteria. The independent variables used in this study was individual characteristics including age, years of work, and the utilization of ear protection. The dependent variable in this study was hearing complaint and the data analysis used contingency coefficient C method. Results: Most workers were aged 26-45 years at 65.2%, had years of service &gt;15 years at 43.5%, did not use ear protection at 69.6%, and complained of hearing loss at 65.2%. The results of the contingency coefficient C test analysis obtained a p-value &lt;0.05 between individual characteristics and hearing complaints. Conclusion: There was a relationship between individual characteristics including age, years of service, and use of ear protection and hearing complaints.Keywords: ear protection, age, hearing complaints, years of work

Evaluation of a Novel Adjuvanted Vaccine for Ultrashort Regimen Therapy of Artemisia Pollen-Induced Allergic Bronchial Asthma in a Mouse Model.

Wormwood (Artemisia) pollen is among the top 10 aeroallergens globally that cause allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the gold standard for treating patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. A significant disadvantage of today’s ASIT methods is the long duration of therapy and multiplicity of allergen administrations. The goal of this study was to undertake a pilot study in mice of a novel ultrashort vaccine immunotherapy regimen incorporating various adjuvants to assess its ability to treat allergic bronchial asthma caused by wormwood pollen.We evaluated in a mouse model of wormwood pollen allergy candidates comprising recombinant Art v 1 wormwood pollen protein formulated with either newer (Advax, Advax-CpG, ISA-51) or more traditional [aluminum hydroxide, squalene water emulsion (SWE)] adjuvants administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route vs. intranasal administration of a mucosal vaccine formulation using chitosan-mannose nanoparticle entrapped with Art v 1 protein. The vaccine formulations were administered to previously wormwood pollen-sensitized animals, four times at weekly intervals. Desensitization was determined by measuring decreases in immunoglobulin E (IgE), cellular immunity, ear swelling test, and pathological changes in the lungs of animals after aeroallergen challenge. Art v 1 protein formulation with Advax, Advax-CpG, SWE, or ISA-51 adjuvants induced a significant decrease in both total and Art v 1-specific IgE with a concurrent increase in Art v 1-specific IgG compared to the positive control group. There was a shift in T-cell cytokine secretion toward a Th1 (Advax-CpG, ISA-51, and Advax) or a balanced Th1/Th2 (SWE) pattern. Protection against lung inflammatory reaction after challenge was seen with ISA-51, Advax, and SWE Art v 1 formulations. Overall, the ISA-51-adjuvanted vaccine group induced the largest reduction of allergic ear swelling and protection against type 2 and non-type 2 lung inflammation in challenged animals. This pilot study shows the potential to develop an ultrashort ASIT regimen for wormwood pollen-induced bronchial asthma using appropriately adjuvanted recombinant Art v 1 protein. The data support further preclinical studies with the ultimate goal of advancing this therapy to human clinical trials.