Earmuffs Research Articles

Impact of Power Tiller Noise on the Occupational Health of Indian Farmers: A Case Study of Jammu and Kashmir

Power tillers have significantly improved the efficiency of agricultural operations in India. However, their noise emissions pose considerable health risks to operators. This study investigates the impact of power tiller noise on occupational health, and evaluates the effectiveness of various noise protection devices. Noise levels were recorded at different engine speeds, revealing that without protection, noise could reach 103.14 dB(A), surpassing the recommended safe occupational limit of 85 dB(A). Noise reduction capabilities of ear muffs, ear plugs, and moist cotton were assessed. Ear muffs provided highest noise reduction, lowering noise by 40.50%, followed by ear plugs (32.70%) and moist cotton (26.80%). The physiological impact of noise on operators was also measured, showing that ear muffs led to the most significant reductions in elevated blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic blood pressure) as well as increased heart rate. The findings underscore the urgent need for effective noise mitigation strategies in power tiller operations and recommend ear muffs as the most effective protective device for safeguarding operators’ health.

Determination of Noise Pollution Base from Welding and Fabrication Workshop in Akungba-Akoko, South West Nigeria

Determination of noise pollution base line of welding and fabrication workshop was carried out at some designated welding and fabrication workshops. These measurements was carried out in 10 different locations using the digital sound level meter of model 40773L. The sound pressure Level (SPL) was measured for every 2 minutes for 2hrs (120mins) and the equivalent noise level (Leq), Percentile (L10, L90) and the Noise Pollution Level (LNP) was also calculated. Fast Fourier Transformation was used to interpolate between minutes to give value in seconds and transformed measured values of time to frequency domain. Graphs were also plotted for noise against time and for power against the transformed measured values which are in frequency domain. The result of the research show that the equivalent continuous noise level in the selected site are SITE A: 94.74Db, SITE B: 89.82dB, SITE C: 92.90dB, SITE D: 90.03dB, SITE E: 87.10dB, SITE F: 87.86dB, SITE G: 91.33dB, SITE H: 92.86dB, SITE I: 89.24dB, and SITE J: 89.02dB, showing that some sites are noisier than others and the sum of the average values of noise data in welding and fabrication workshop in Ondo State metropolis is 90.50dB Results obtained are above the FEPA recommended values 90 dB for 8hrs exposure time, which put limitations to effectiveness of signal transmissions that may lead to the possible health hazard. The noise level highlighted which include Annoyance, Cardiovascular disturbance, and impalement of task performance and induced hearing loss. Appropriate suggestions which include the use of ear muffs have been made in order to prevent these hazards.

Validation of the Filipino Version of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7).

Introduction The Eustachian tube (ET) serves various functions, such as pressure regulation, mucociliary clearance, and middle ear protection. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) pertains to a problem with the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube and is a common condition seen in the ENT clinic.There is currently no gold standard in diagnosing ETDs, but numerous measures are being employed and studied. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire 7 (ETDQ-7) is the only patient-reported outcome tool to have undergone initial validation tests. It has been translated into different languages, and studies have shown that the ETDQ-7 is a fast, reliable, and easy-to-use tool in the local setting. This tool can also be applied in the Philippine setting and may be used in conjunction with history and clinical findings to diagnose and evaluate the treatment of ETD. Objectives The objective of this study is to translate the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7) into the Filipino version and validate the Filipino version of the ETDQ-7. The study alsodetermines the prevalence of Eustachian tube dysfunction among adult Filipinos using the translated version of ETDQ-7. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) of a tertiary hospital. Filipinos aged 18 years and above, with and without signs and symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction, with intact tympanic membranes were included in the study. Results The Filipino version of the ETDQ-7 has good internal validity and consistency. For the test-retest reliability of the questionnaire across time, all seven questions and the total score have good reliability. It will give reliable results when repeatedly used over time. Conclusion The Filipino version of the ETDQ-7 is a valid and reliable tool that may serve as an adjunct in diagnosing ET dysfunction among adult Filipinos. Further studies may be needed to evaluate its use in children and patients with comorbid conditions such as ear and sinonasal pathologies.

Effects of the earplug and external ear hardness of the direct transmissions induced by high-level impulse noises

The performances of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) facing high-level impulse noises is limited by the transmission through the protector. This transmission can be evaluated by measuring the earplug's displacement along the ear canal axis. Previous measurements highlighted a displacement proportional to the peak acoustic pressure in the protected ear canal. To better understand the consequences on the HPD performances, this evaluation requires to be extended. Thus, various configurations are studied with Acoustic Test Fixture (ATF) external ears and earplugs of low and medium hardness. The earplug's peak displacements have been measured with a laser-vibrometer and the acoustic pressure with the ATF microphone. The impulse waves employed to excite the earplugs ranged from 150 dB to 180 dB peak. A medium hardness earplug inserted in a low hardness ear led to the worst performances with a plug displacement of 200 µm and a peak noise reduction of 17.8 dB(SPL) for an impulse noise of 177 dB(SPL). For the best case, a maximum displacement of 66 µm and peak noise reduction of 28.8 dB(SPL) have been measured. These results suggest new perspectives to improve the HPDs but also their evaluation through the choice of judicious ATF materials that conform to biological tissues.

Evaluation of Noise in Paediatric Dentistry and Change in Perception of Operators with Use of Ear Protection Devices

Background: Noise sources in paediatric dental offices include machinery and children’s cries and screams. Although the presence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) among dental operators is established, preventive measures such as ear protection devices (EPDs) are not frequently employed as prophylactic intervention. The primary aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the noise levels in paediatric dental clinics and to qualitatively evaluate the operators’ perception of noise with and without the use of EPDs. Methods: A crossover study was conducted with 93 operators; half of whom first worked without EPD, and the other half worked with EPD. Sound produced near each operator was recorded in decibels (dBs) for five working days, and the maximum sound in decibel for each day was noted and averaged. The results were then compared with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) exposure limits. A questionnaire was handed out before the commencement of the study, and another at the end of the study. Results: The average noise level was 86.68 dB without EPD and 86.83 dB with EPD. About 65.59% dentists considered the level of noise at their workplace to be medium level, and 98.92% did not wear EPD. Most common findings, such as irritability at the end of the day (77.42%), were relieved after use of EPD in 92.47% dentists. Conclusion: The noise in the paediatric department is above the NOISH-recommended exposure limit, which is harmful to the auditory system. In general, dentists are knowledgeable about the noise in the operatory, although their knowledge about EPDs is not high.

Research

The October 2024 Research Roundup360 looks at: Fracture risk among stroke survivors according to post-stroke disability status and stroke type; Noise-induced hearing loss: should surgeons be wearing ear protection during primary total joint replacement?; Intravenous dexamethasone in hip arthroscopy can enhance recovery; Patient-reported outcomes following periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee: a longitudinal, prospective observational study; When should surgery take place after weight loss?; Which type of surgery is the hardest physically and mentally?

Beyond audiograms: Simulating the complex reality of modern hearing loss

This presentation introduces a novel computational model designed to simulate both sensorineural and hidden hearing loss, providing a powerful tool for architects, acousticians, and researchers to better understand and address hearing disabilities. Developed using Max/MSP, the model employs a multiband downward expander to simulate sensorineural hearing loss, with thresholds adjustable based on age and common noise-induced patterns. Hidden hearing loss, an increasingly prevalent yet under-recognized condition, is modeled through the innovative manipulation of temporal envelope (ENV) and temporal fine structure (TFS) components. By allowing users to experience these hearing impairments firsthand, the model bridges the gap between audiological data and practical application in building design and acoustic engineering. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances our understanding of hearing loss but also has potential implications for public health, incentivizing proper ear protection, and care. The model serves as a valuable educational resource, fostering empathy and driving more inclusive design practices in architecture and acoustics.

Virally-Mediated Enhancement of Efferent Inhibition Reduces Acoustic Trauma in Wild Type Murine Cochleas.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) poses an emerging global health problem with only ear protection or sound avoidance as preventive strategies. In addition, however, the cochlea receives some protection from medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent neurons, providing a potential target for therapeutic enhancement. Cholinergic efferents release ACh (Acetylycholine) to hyperpolarize and shunt the outer hair cells (OHCs), reducing sound-evoked activation. The (α9)2(α10)3 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) on the OHCs mediates this effect. Transgenic knock-in mice with a gain-of-function nAChR (α9L9'T) suffer less NIHL. α9 knockout mice are more vulnerable to NIHL but can be rescued by viral transduction of the α9L9'T subunit. In this study, an HA-tagged gain-of-function α9 isoform was expressed in wildtype mice in an attempt to reduce NIHL. Synaptic integration of the virally-expressed nAChR subunit was confirmed by HA-immunopuncta in the postsynaptic membrane of OHCs. After noise exposure, α9L9'T-HA injected mice had less hearing loss (auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and threshold shifts) than did control mice. ABRs of α9L9'T-HA injected mice also had larger wave1 amplitudes and better recovery of wave one amplitudes post noise exposure. Thus, virally-expressed α9L9'T combines effectively with native α9 and α10 subunits to mitigate NIHL in wildtype cochleas.

ORGANOLOGY OF THE HANDPAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MADE BY DANIV VEYANA REVIEWED FROM THE PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING

This research aims to describe the organology of handpan musical instruments made by Daniv Veryana in terms of the manufacturing process. This research focuses on Organology as seen from its physical classification, namely, the first criteria of raw materials / basic materials. Second, the shape and size. Third instrument, parts. Fourth, the manufacturing process. Fifth, the tuning or tuning process. This research uses qualitative methods and descriptive type. Researchers in this case made observations through a video of the manufacturing process sent directly by the resource person Daniv Veryana, in order to open the Handpan manufacturing process, as well as through literature studies and utilization studies in order to obtain optimal data by making a complete application and eliminating the findings. The results obtained are showing the process of making an accepted handpan musical instrument: Steel plate is intact, according to size, ring clamp, making the main dome, forming molds for dimpel / mortar and molding ding, hardening steel, tuning or tuning process. then the tools used in the process of making handpanit: hammer, large, hammer, medium, hammer, small all wrapped in plastic and rubber, drums, rings, ding molds, dimpel / dimple molds, ear muffs, steel scissors, tongs, stoves roses, 3kg gas, and canned welding gas. The material consists of steel containing 1mm and steel glue

High Resolution Computed Tomography Study of the Length, Width & Angle of Eustachian Tube in Normal Ear and in Chronic Otitis Media.

Eustachian tube is complex and inaccessible structure. It connects nasopharynx to middle ear. It is composed of cartilaginous and bony segments. Eustachian tube helps in pressure regulation, protection and clearance of the middle ear. Dysfunctions of Eustachian tube are either due to anatomical obstruction or functional failure. Whether variation of length, width of bony canal, isthmus, length of the cartilaginous canal and angulation of the Eustachian tube to horizontal plane affects overall pressure regulation, protection and mucociliary clearance leads to the spread of the infection to the middle ear are highlighted. A comparative prospective study design of 20 adults of both gender of normal ear computerized tomography done for some other cause and 20 adults of both gender with chronic otitis media (tubo-tympanic pathology). After obtaining consent, clinical examination, all patients had got computerized tomography study of the temporal bone and were evaluated to study the variation of length, width of bony canal, isthmus, length of the cartilaginous canal and angulation of the Eustachian tube to horizontal plane. In our series cartilaginous Eustachian tube length is 26.72mm in normal ear and 26.17mm in diseased ear. Long and reduced diameter of bony segment is the anatomical cause in the tubotympanic pathology along with inflammation and loss of ciliary moment. Normal ear bony width is 2.36mm; isthmus 1.18mm are comparatively more than diseased ear (bony width 2.13 & isthumus1.04). Whereas bony length of normal ear is 11.21mm and diseased ear is 11.62mm. Decreased Eustachian tube pretympanic diameter and Reid -plane ET angle can be used to predict Eustachian tube dysfunction. Angle to horizontal plane in our series in normal ear 44.670 whereas in diseased ear 45.10. The Eustachian tube plays an important role in the development of the tubotympanic pathology of the ear. Pre-existing Eustachian tube anatomical variation appears to be risk factor in developing tubotympanic pathology.

Measurement and evaluation of personal attenuation rating before and after the training of the noise-exposed workers wearing foam earplugs

Objective: To measure and compare the difference of personal attenuation rating (PAR) of the workers wearing foam earplugs before and after the training, and to evaluate the effect of ear protector wearing training on the noise protection. Methods: In February 2023, 94 workers exposed to noise in a machinery manufacturing factory were selected as subjects. The production noise in the workplace was measured and subjects were trained to wear earplugs. The PAR values of wearing 3M 1110 foam test earplugs were measured and recorded before and after the training by using the fit testing of hearing protection device. The differences between the actual PAR values with nominal values and the noise attenuation values in related standards were compared, and the protective effect of hearing protection device before and after training was evaluated. Results: The average age of the subjects was (36.76±11.48) years old, the average length of service was (16.34±11.64) years, and the average exposure time to noise was (15.67±11.64) years. The noise detection results of the subjects' posts were ranged from 80.1 to 94.3 dB (A). The results of subjects wore 3M 1110 foam test earplugs for fit testing showed that the binaural PAR value after training was (19.3±6.4) dB (A), which was significantly higher than that before training (11.1±7.4) dB (A) (t=13.31, P<0.001). After training, 11 people (11.70%) could reach the corrected noise reduction value (NRR value), 26 people (27.66%) could reach the standard of single noise reduction value (SNR value) ×0.6, and 84 people (89.36%) could reach the standard of (NRR-7) /2. The under protection rate of hearing protectors after training (7.45%) was significantly lower than that before training (45.74%), and the difference of different protection levels before and after training was statistically significant (χ(2)=40.83, P<0.001) . Conclusion: It is suggested that enterprises should use the fit testing instead of nominal value estimation to evaluate the noise reduction effect of hearing protection device. Special training on the selection and use of hearing protection device should be strengthened, so as to ensure that workers wear them correctly and improve the protective effect of hearing protection device.

The Effect of Using Earmuffs on Hearing Loss Complaints and Subjective Stress: A Quasi-Experimental Study among Weaving Workers in Surakarta, Indonesia

Introduction: Noise pollution from machine operations is one of industry's long-standing issues, especially in the textile manufacturing industry. High noise levels produced by weaving machine operation can harm employees' health, most notably hearing loss and stress at work. Since 1975, IT Co. Ltd., one of the biggest textile corporations in Surakarta, Indonesia, has struggled to find a solution to the issue of excessive noise, particularly in the weaving manufacturing facility. This study aims to determine the effect of employing earmuffs as a type of intervention to alleviate hearing loss complaints and subjective stress on weaving workers who are exposed to high-intensity noise. Methods: A time series design was used in this quasi-experimental study. This study’s participants were divided into 2 groups. The first group was weaving workers who used earmuffs as ear protection (Intervention Group), and the second group did not use earmuffs (Control Group). Data collection was carried out for 6 working days to see whether there was a significant effect of using earmuffs on hearing loss complaints and subjective stress. Results: From the second to the sixth day, using earmuffs as ear protection did not significantly reduce hearing loss complaints. However, it showed significant findings that increased the average score of subjective stress. Conclusion: Using earmuffs should protect the ears from noise exposure and its effects on workers' health. However, it has been shown that using earmuffs can increase the average score of hearing loss complaints and subjective stress.

A Scoping Review on Occupational Noise Mitigation Strategies and Recommendations for Sustainable Ship Operations.

Environmental and occupational noise has the potential to result in health risks. The presence of high noise levels aboard ships can cause substantial hazards that affect the well-being of those employed in the maritime industry. The study and implementation of occupational noise reduction aboard ships are of the highest priority for ensuring the well-being of marine workers, compliance with regulatory standards, protection of the environment, and improvement of overall operational efficiency and safety within the maritime sector. A scoping study was conducted to collect and summarize the existing scientific literature about approaches to preventing occupational noise in vessel operations. We searched electronic databases for papers published up to June 2024. Initially, 94 articles were identified for screening, and the present research produced 16 studies, which were finally analyzed. Resultantly, noise control may begin with elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and hearing protection (ear plugs or muffs). Noise control innovation would be started with engineering techniques. Hearing protection devices (HPDs) could be used to reduce noise and as an instrument of communication between sailors. More research needs to be carried out in order to find the best ways for maritime vessels to reduce noise at work and to see how well they work in lowering the risks that come with noise for workers on board.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding hearing health and noise-induced hearing loss among folk/light music professionals from Chennai

Introduction: Musicians are exposed to music at high intensities and are at risk for developing noise- induced hearing loss (NIHL). Since hearing is so important to their career, they deserve special consideration. To avoid the deleterious effects of loud music, the professionals should be sensitized to the noise exposure and the use of strategies to prevent NIHL. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and attitude towards noise induced hearing disorders, and hearing conservative practices among professional musicians. Method: A KAP questionnaire was administered online to 136 professional musicians belonging to folk/ light music genre in Chennai. The participants were 115 males and 21 females, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years with the mean age of 29 (SD= 11). Results: The findings revealed that musicians were aware of the nature and cause of NIHL, but knowledge of NIHL prevention and treatment was limited to few. They had common misconceptions about the sources of harmful loud sounds, the effects of hearing loss, and hearing conservation strategies. Only a few participants reported to have used Ear Protective Devices (EPDs). Conclusion: Although musicians are aware of the risks of exposure to loud noise, they seldom use hearing protection. It is therefore vital to provide crucial information regarding NIHL and its prevention and promote musicians for better hearing preservation practices.

Hearing Threshold Levels among Clothes Convection Industry Workers in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a condition that develops gradually and often goes unnoticed due to the absence of observable symptoms. Noise-induced hearing loss is usually detected after effects on hearing ability, difficulty understanding speech, and communication disorders. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hearing threshold decline in workers in the clothes convection industry in Klaten, Central Java, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study, with 21 respondents, was conducted from April to June 2023. Data were collected through interviews, measurement of noise levels in the workplace, otoscopic and audiometric examinations, and research questionnaires. Results: Most study respondents were female (85.7%) and workers who had worked for 11-20 years (66.7%). The main results showed that the prevalence of decreasing hearing threshold among workers in this study was 33.3%. Conclusion: The prevalence of hearing threshold decline was correlated with length of work and use of ear protection equipment.

Effect of External Ear Deformity on Hearing in Wrestlers.

Cauliflower ear in wrestlers can lead to hearing impairment. This study primarily aims to assess the hearing of wrestlers with bilateral cauliflower ears and determine their external ear canal (EEC) resonance frequencies. Our second aim is to evaluate their hearing quality, speech, and spatial perception. This study included 28 male wrestlers aged 18-35 years with bilateral cauliflower ears, as well as 27 male participants in the control group with no wrestling history. The participants' hearing thresholds were determined across the frequency range of 125-16000 Hz for air-conduction and 500-4000 Hz for bone conduction. EEC resonance frequencies were measured. Additionally, all participants completed the Turkish version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Wrestlers with cauliflower ears exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds, particularly at frequencies above 4000 Hz (p < .05). Analysis of EEC resonance showed a shift to higher frequencies in the second resonance peak of the right ear (p < .001) and the first resonance peak of the left ear (p = .045). SSQ scores revealed that wrestlers had higher spatial perception (p = .046), hearing quality (p = .004), and general scores (p = .042) in comparison to the control group. Blunt traumas in wrestlers, leading to cauliflower ear, can result in hearing loss. Moreover, deformities in the external ear affect the resonance frequencies of the EEC. Therefore, it is crucial to advocate for the use of ear protection equipment among wrestlers. When fitting hearing aids, attention should be given to changes in the EEC resonance frequency.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Should Surgeons Be Wearing Ear Protection During Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty?

The risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) to orthopedic surgeons due to occupational exposures is unknown. A level of 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) is considered hazardous. We sought to identify whether manual and/or robotic arthroplasty procedures increase surgeons' risk of developing NIHL. At our institution, we prospectively collected intraoperative recordings with a microphone attached to the surgeon during manual total knee arthroplasty (TKA), manual total hip arthroplasty (THA), and robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Recordings taken in the operating room without operating room staff present served as baseline controls. The 172 recordings consisted of 46 baseline, 42 THA, 40 TKA, and 44 RTKA recordings. Decibel levels were reported as "maximum dB level" (the highest sound pressure level using an A-weighted dB scale), "LAeq" (the equivalent continuous sound level), "LCpeak" (the peak sound pressure level using a C-weighted dB scale), and "TWA" (the average dB level projected over an 8-hour period). The percentage of allowable daily noise dose was reported as "dose" and the measured dose projected over 8 hours as "projected dose." The recordings of surgeries had average maximum dB levels ranging from 106.0 to 108.0 dB, all significantly greater than controls. Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasties had the highest average dose (18.7%) and average projected dose (252.0%). Our review of recordings at a single institution found that noise levels of RTKAs surpassed projected doses of 100%. Orthopedic surgeons performing more than 2 RTKAs per day may be at increased risk of NIHL. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of measures such as ear protection to minimize surgeons' exposure.

Auditory Effects of Acoustic Noise From 3-T Brain MRI in Neonates With Hearing Protection.

Neonates with immature auditory function (eg, weak/absent middle ear muscle reflex) could conceivably be vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss; however, it is unclear if neonates show evidence of hearing loss following MRI acoustic noise exposure. To explore the auditory effects of MRI acoustic noise in neonates. Prospective. Two independent cohorts of neonates (N = 19 and N = 18; mean gestational-age, 38.75 ± 2.18 and 39.01 ± 1.83 weeks). T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence, T2-weighted fast spin-echo sequence, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-tensor imaging, single-shot echo-planar imaging-based diffusion-kurtosis imaging and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence at 3.0 T. All neonates wore ear protection during scan protocols lasted ~40 minutes. Equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured for both cohorts. In cohort1, left- and right-ear auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured before (baseline) and after (follow-up) MRI, included assessment of ABR threshold, wave I, III and V latencies and interpeak interval to determine the functional status of auditory nerve and brainstem. In cohort2, baseline and follow-up left- and right-ear distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes were assessed at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz to determine cochlear function. Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-tests with Bonferroni's correction were used to compare the differences between baseline and follow-up ABR and DPOAE measures. Equivalent SPLs ranged from 103.5 to 113.6 dBA. No significant differences between baseline and follow-up were detected in left- or right-ear ABR measures (P > 0.999, Bonferroni corrected) in cohort1, or in DPOAE levels at 1.2 to 7.0 kHz in cohort2 (all P > 0.999 Bonferroni corrected except for left-ear levels at 3.5 and 7.0 kHz with corrected P = 0.138 and P = 0.533). A single 40-minute 3-T MRI with equivalent SPLs of 103.5-113.6 dBA did not result in significant transient disruption of auditory function, as measured by ABR and DPOAE, in neonates with adequate hearing protection. 2. Stage 5.

Prevention of nostril lacerations in endonasal drilling procedures by use of a conventional protective ear speculum

PurposeInjuries of the nasal vestibular skin caused by the rotating burr shafts can represent a tedious complication following endonasal drilling and is experienced sooner or later by every rhino-surgeon. Material and methodsTo protect the nasal entrance from laceration by the free rotating drill shaft we position an otology speculum in the nasal entrance. The speculum is held in place by the scrub nurse during the critical phase of bone drilling. ResultsFollowing the introduction of the ear speculum protection, we successfully treated our dacryocystostamia procedures (n = 27) and median maxillectomia procedures (n = 6) without any further soft tissue erosions. DiscussionPreventive measures for injuries by endonasal drilling procedures are not reported extensively in literature. This stands in contrast to the fact that these injuries are prone to cause significant suffering as amply described in the case of nostril laceration due to nasogastric intubation or nasogastric feeding tubes. ConclusionThe use of a readily available, reusable ear speculum in endonasal drill application eliminated the complication of nasal entrance lacerations throughout our institution, hitherto.

An Exploratory Study on Self-Reported Auditory Symptoms and Hearing Loss among Workers in a Small-Scale LPG Plant.

Occupational noise is considered a factor contributing to acquired hearing loss (HL) in adults. Frequent noise exposure can cause cochlear damage, leading to sensorineural HL, tinnitus, vertigo, and other non auditory effects as well. Although it is well known that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plants in India have become a workplace source for occupational noise pollution exposure, there are not many studies that probe into the auditory effects of workplace noise in LPG plants. The study aims to document HL and self reported otological symptoms in employees with occupational noise exposure at a typical LPG plant in a suburban location in India. 53 employees who reported workplace noise exposure were assessed for HL and self reported auditory symptoms. Self reported symptoms were collected using a custom made case history questionnaire, and auditory sensitivity was measured using air conduction audiometers. Among the 53 participants, 27 tested positive for HL. A mild degree of HL was frequently observed, followed by a moderate and severe degree of HL. In the self reported otological complaints reported by 31 participants, HL and aural fullness were the most commonly reported auditory symptoms. Additionally, the use of ear protection devices and hearing conservation practices among the participants were poor. Hearing loss and self-reported auditory symptoms were present in the study group indicating the effect of occupational noise in the auditory system.