History Of Occupational Noise Exposure Research Articles

Is occupational noise associated with arthritis? Cross-sectional evidence from US population

BackgroundThe impact of occupational noise exposure on various diseases, including ear and cardiovascular diseases, has been studied extensively. Nevertheless, the connection between osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and occupational noise exposure remains largely unexplored in real-world scenarios. This study assessed the association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of two types of arthritis.MethodsThis study used database data from 2005 to 2012 and 2015–March 2020 from the prepandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) related to occupational noise exposure and arthritis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between occupational noise exposure and RA/OA, adjusting for age, gender, race, education level, marital status, the ratio of family income to poverty, trouble sleeping, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), metabolic equivalents (METs), and thyroid disease.ResultsThis study included 11,053 participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that previous exposure to occupational noise was positively associated with self-reported RA (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18–1.73) and OA (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.07–1.46). Compared to individuals without a history of occupational noise exposure, those with an exposure duration of 1 year or greater exhibited higher odds of prevalent RA, though there was no apparent exposure response relationship for noise exposure durations longer than 1 year. The results of our subgroup analyses showed a significant interaction between age and occupational noise exposure on the odds of self-reported prevalent OA.ConclusionsOur findings suggest an association between occupational noise exposure and the prevalence of RA and OA. Nevertheless, further clinical and basic research is warranted to better explore their associations.

A history of occupational noise exposure is associated with steep-slope audiograms and poorer self-reported hearing-aid outcomes

Objective To investigate the effects of previous occupational noise exposure in older adults with hearing loss on (1) audiometric configuration and acoustic reflex (AR) thresholds and (2) self-reported hearing abilities and hearing aid (HA) effectiveness. Design A prospective observational study. Study sample The study included 1176 adults (≥60 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometry, AR thresholds, and responses to the abbreviated version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire were obtained, along with information about previous occupational noise exposure. Results Greater occupational noise exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of steeply sloping audiograms in men and women and a 0.32 (95% CI: −0.57; −0.06) scale points lower mean SSQ12 total score among noise-exposed men. AR thresholds did not show a significant relation to noise-exposure status, but hearing thresholds at a given frequency were related to elevated AR thresholds at the same frequency. Conclusions A noise exposure history is linked to steeper audiograms in older adults with hearing loss as well as to poorer self-reported hearing abilities in noise-exposed men. More attention to older adults with previous noise exposure is warranted in hearing rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Central Auditory Processing in Individuals with Occupational Noise exposure

Abstract Background Prolonged exposure to high levels of occupational noise can cause damage to hair cells in the cochlea and result in permanent noise-induced cochlear hearing loss. Consequences of cochlear hearing loss on speech perception and psychophysical central auditory abilities have been well documented. Objectives the aim of this research was to explore central auditory processing in individuals with history of occupational noise exposure. Subjects and method sixty subjects aged between 20 and 50 years divided into 2 groups; control group (thirty normal healthy subjects), study group (thirty subject with history of occupational noise exposure). They were subjected to Basic audiological evaluation :Pure tone audiometry for frequencies 250-8000 Hz for air conduction and 500-4000 Hz for bone conduction, Speech reception threshold (SRT) using Arabic spondee words list (Soliman et al., 1985) and speech discrimination scores using Arabic phonetically balanced words (Soliman, 1976). And Tympanometry, central auditory processing questionnaire and Psychophysical central auditory tests that will be discussed later. Results Statistically significant difference was found between the study group and control group regarding left Dichotic digits test versionII (p = 0.020), The mean of SPIN either at Right or Left ear for study group was depressed in comparison to normal individuals, those differences were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a Highly statically significant difference in TCST (30%,60%), GIN test and DPT between study and control groups (p < 0.001) either at Right or Left ear. Conclusions Patients with occupational noise exposure had poor performance in all central auditory tests when compared with control. This means that occupational noise exposure can lead to impaired central auditory processing with subsequent in adults

ASSESSMENT OF HIDDEN HEARING LOSS IN NOISE EXPOSED WORKERS

Aim:To evaluate hidden hearing loss (HHL) in industrial workers using the extended high frequency audiometry(EHFA) and ABR wave I amplitude during routine follow-up visits to the audiology clinic to identify and managehidden hearing loss as early as possible. Materials and Methods: This study is comprised of two groups: study group which consisted of 50 adultindustrial workersattending the audio-vestibular medicine clinic for their routine follow-up visits and control group which consisted of 20 adults with bilateral normal peripheral hearing in the frequency range of 250-8000 Hz, including 3 and 6 kHz without any history of occupational noise exposure. Both groups were age and sex-matched. Results: Results showed statistically significant differences between patient and control groups as regards thresholds of EHFA at 12 and 16 KHz. In addition, there was statistically significant reduction in ABR wave I amplitudes between the two groups. Conclusion: Combining extended high-frequency audiometry and ABR amplitude measurements as two methods for early detection of audibility declines upon exposure to noise as well as an early warning of hair cell damage and loss is advised.

Evaluation of Synaptopathy by Use of Latency Shift of Wave V Auditory Brainstem Response in the Presence of Ipsilateral Noise

Background and Aim: Recreational and occupational noise can cause permanent damage to the inner ear. Cochlear synaptopathy can be “hidden” because this synaptic reduction can occur without permanent hearing threshold changes. Our study aimed to assess synaptopathy in people with and without a history of occupational noise exposure by use of latency shift of wave V with masking.
 Methods: In this study, 38 males were involved. All participants had normal hearing thresholds. Of 38 males, 20-male identified with exposure to occupational noise and 18 identified without occupational noise exposure. Auditory brainstem response and masked were performed.
 Results: The main effect of the between-group factor was not significant in the right and left ears. But the main effect of the within-group factor in the right and left ears were significant (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Auditory brainstem response latencies at different levels in each group were significant. These results showed that there were no significant differences between latency changes in both groups.
 Conclusion: In order to diagnose cochlear synaptopathy in humans it is important to use audiological test batteries in the future. There is currently no effective way to diagnose noise- induced cochlear synaptopathy in human subjects.
 Keywords: Noise induce cochlear synaptopathy; auditory brainstem response; cochlear synaptopathy; hidden hearing loss

Impact of occupational noise on the postural control of older adults

Introduction: The studies on the consequences of noise to the auditory system are well documented, particularly in workers’ health. Nevertheless, few studies in the field yet have related postural control to occupational noise exposure. Objective: To investigate the association between the history of occupational noise and the postural control in older adults. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study that included individuals of both sexes older than 60 years. All of them had their postural control assessed on a force platform. The occupational noise was assessed with an audiological anamnesis questionnaire. The hearing loss was assessed using the pure-tone threshold audiometry. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory questionnaire was used to quantify the impact of tinnitus on daily life of the older adults. Results: 90 older adults (87.8% women, 70[64-75] years old) were analyzed. The history of occupational noise exposure was associated with a worse postural control in older adults, regardless of the person’s age (ANCOVA; P < 0.05). Moreover, the greater the hearing loss, the greater the body instability of the older adults (r≤0.36 for all). Finally, postural control was related to tinnitus presenting correlations with catastrophic Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (r = 0.314; P = 0.038) and functional Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (r = 0.430; P = 0.010). Conclusion: Postural control of older adults is related to the history of occupational noise exposure, hearing loss and tinnitus impact on older adult’s daily life.

Occupational noise exposure: A review of its effects, epidemiology, and impact with recommendations for reducing its burden.

Exposure to hazardous noise is one of the most common occupational risks, both in the U.S. and worldwide. Repeated overexposure to noise at or above 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and difficulty understanding speech in noise. It is also associated with cardiovascular disease, depression, balance problems, and lower income. About 22 million U.S. workers are currently exposed to hazardous occupational noise. Approximately 33% of working-age adults with a history of occupational noise exposure have audiometric evidence of noise-induced hearing damage, and 16% of noise-exposed workers have material hearing impairment. While the Mining, Construction, and Manufacturing sectors typically have the highest prevalence of noise exposure and hearing loss, there are noise-exposed workers in every sector and every sector has workers with hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. Increased understanding of the biological processes underlying noise damage may lead to protective pharmacologic or genetic therapies. For now, an integrated public health approach that (1) emphasizes noise control over reliance on hearing protection, (2) illustrates the full impact of hearing loss on quality of life, and (3) challenges the cultural acceptance of loud noise can substantially reduce the impact of noise on worker health.

288 Hearing Loss as a Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor in People with Mild Cognitive Symptoms Attending a Specialist Memory Service

Abstract Background People with mild hearing loss at age 50 are twice as likely to develop dementia increasing to a five times greater risk for those with severe hearing loss. The prevalence of dementia and hearing impairment increase with age. Intact hearing enables cognition, facilitates social interaction and enhances communication. Hearing loss, social isolation and dementia are commonly interwoven. We recently commenced routine audiology screening in our memory service. Methods Consecutive patients with mild cognitive impairment attending a tertiary memory assessment and support service were referred for full audiology screening. People were routinely referred on basis of cognitive diagnosis, and not on the basis of perceived hearing loss. Assessment included ENT history, otoscopy, tympanometry, pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry to determine the presence, type and amount of any hearing loss present. This included speech discrimination testing – a functional test to determine processing of 10 phonetically balanced words with 100% being an optimal response. Results 20 people (12 women), mean age 72.3 (range 57-87) were assessed. The majority had amnestic MCI 18/20 (90%). 9/20 (45%) patients subjectively complained of hearing loss. 7/20 (35%) had history of occupational noise exposure. 12/20 (60%) had occlusion due to ear wax. Hearing loss identified: Mild 8/20 (40%); Moderate to severe 7/20 (35%); with Normal hearing in 5/20 (25%). High frequency hearing loss was noted in 19/20 (95%). Speech discrimination score was impaired in those with hearing loss: mean 89.4% (range 66-100). 6/20 (30%) received referral for hearing aids. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of incorporating an assessment of auditory acuity as part of memory assessment and post-diagnostic care-pathway for people with mild cognitive complaints given the established impact hearing loss has on the future risk for cognitive decline. Hearing loss is frequently unidentified and is a clear modifiable risk factor to promote brain health.

Association between polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnfα) in the region -308 g/a with tinnitus in the elderly with a history of occupational noise exposure.

Context:Tinnitus is a common disorder that occurs frequently across all strata of population and has an important health concern and is often associated with different forms of the hearing loss of varying severity.Aims:To investigate the association between the polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the region −308 G/A with the susceptibility to tinnitus in individuals with the history of exposure to occupational noise.Settings and Design:This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 179 independent elderly people above 60 years of age.Materials and Methods:Information on exposure to occupational noise was obtained by interviews. Audiological evaluation was performed using pure tone audiometry and genotyped through polymerase chain reaction by restriction fragment length polymorphism.Statistical Analysis Used:Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and the odds ratio (OR), with the significance level set at 5%.Results:Among elderly with tinnitus (43.01%), 33.76% had a history of exposure to occupational noise. A statistically significant association was found between genotype frequencies of the TNFα gene in the −308 G/A region and the complaint of tinnitus (P = 0.04 and χ2 = 4.19). The elderly with the G allele were less likely to have tinnitus due to occupational noise exposure when compared to those carrying the A allele (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.56–4.81; P < 0.0005).Conclusion:This study suggests an association between the TNFα with susceptibility to tinnitus in individuals with a history of exposure to occupational noise.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in the Police Force.

BackgroundNoise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major preventable occupational health problem with 250 million people worldwide known to have disabling impairment of moderate to greater severity. The aims of the study are to estimate the prevalence of NIHL in the police force; and study its association with age, sex, duration of service (years), smoking and alcohol habits, use of hearing protective devices, as well as preexisting chronic diseases.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 543 police personnel who had undergone periodic medical examination over a 12-month period. The diagnostic criteria for NIHL were (1) history of occupational noise exposure, (2) bilateral hearing loss, (3) hearing loss of ≥ 25 dBA at 4,000 Hz in two consecutive audiograms, and (4) no significant medical history affecting hearing. Severity of NIHL was based on the World Health Organization grading.ResultsMales (74.8%) made up the majority of the police force. The mean age for police personnel was 35.55 ± 9.57 years, and the mean duration of service was 14.75 ± 9.39 years. Compliance with the usage of hearing protective devices was seen in 64.4%. The prevalence of NIHL in this study population was 34.2%, with a higher prevalence in males (37.7%) than in females (23.9%). The study also showed strong associations between NIHL and male sex (odds ratio, 1.9; P < 0.05), and hypertension (odds ratio, 3.3; P < 0.001). Overall, 93% were found to have mild NIHL, 3.5% had moderate NIHL, and 3.5% had severe NIHL. No police personnel were found to have profound hearing loss.ConclusionThe prevalence of NIHL in this study is high compared to other similar studies among police personnel. This study shows that increasing age, male, presence of hypertension, diabetes, and longer duration of service are significant associated factors for NIHL. Preventative strategies include health surveillance, implementation of a hearing conservation program, and legislation.

Association between polymorphism of interleukin-6 in the region -174G/C and tinnitus in the elderly with a history of occupational noise exposure.

Tinnitus is a symptom usually related to cochlear change that may arise from noise exposure and induces expression of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL6). This study aimed to evaluate the association between the polymorphism of the IL6 gene in the region 174G/C and tinnitus in elderly with history of occupational noise exposure. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 179 independent elderly individuals aged >60 years. Information on exposure to occupational noise was obtained by interviews. Audiological evaluation was performed using pure tone audiometry and genotyped through polymerase chain reaction by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and the odds ratio (OR), with the significance level set at 5%. Among the study subjects, 24.6% were homozygous for the G allele, 39.7% were homozygous for the C allele, and 35.8% were heterozygous for IL6 (P > 0.05). Of these, 33.5% reported noise exposure history, with 42.5% having tinnitus. We found significant association between the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL6 −174 gene (rs1800795) and tinnitus among the elderly with history of exposure to occupational noise (P = 0.03). The elderly with the C allele were less likely to have tinnitus associated with history of exposure to occupational noise [OR = 0.167, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.167-0.749; P = 0.004] when compared to those carrying the G allele. This study suggests that there is an association between polymorphisms in the IL6 gene at region – 174G/C and susceptibility to tinnitus.

Association between interleukin-6 polymorphism in the −174 G/C region and hearing loss in the elderly with a history of occupational noise exposure

IntroductionThe biological processes involved in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) are still unclear. The involvement of inflammation in this condition has been suggested. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between interleukin – 6 (IL-6) polymorphism and susceptibility to NIHL. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 191 independent elderly individuals aged >60 years of age. Information on exposure to occupational noise was obtained by interviews. Audiological evaluation was performed using pure tone audiometry and genotyped through PCR by restriction fragment length polymorphism – PCR-RFLP. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and the odds ratio (OR), with the significance level set at 5%. ResultsAmong elderly with hearing loss (78.0%), 18.8% had a history of exposure to occupational noise. There was a statistically significant association between the genotype frequencies of the IL-6 −174 and NIHL. The elderly with the CC genotype were less likely to have hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure when compared to those carrying the GG genotype (OR=0.0124; 95% CI 0.0023–0.0671; p<0.001). ConclusionThis study suggests there is an association of polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene at position – G174C with susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing loss in the elderly: History of occupational noise exposure.

Summary Introduction: Noise exposure is one of the most common health risk factors, and workers are exposed to sound pressure levels capable of producing hearing loss. Aim: To assess the prevalence of hearing loss in the elderly and its possible association with a history of occupational noise exposure and with sex. Methods: A prospective study in subjects aged over 60 years. The subjects underwent anamnesis and audiological assessment. The Mann–Whitney test and multiple logistic regression, with 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05, were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 498 subjects from both sexes, and the median age was 69 years. From the comparison between men and women, we obtained the medium hearing I (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz p = 0.8318) and the mean hearing II (3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz; p < 0.0001). Comparing the thresholds of individuals with and without a history of occupational noise exposure, we obtained the medium hearing I (p = 0.9542) and the mean hearing II (p = 0.0007). Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association between hearing loss at high frequencies and the risk factors being male and occupational noise exposure.

Interleukin-1β gene polymorphism and hearing loss related to the history of occupational noise exposure in Brazilian elderly

Hearing loss is the most common sensory impairment in older people, and may have social and psychological consequences, such as social isolation, frustration and depression. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an interaction of both genetic and environmental factors. Some studies have led to the identification of possible NIHL susceptibility genes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the polymorphism of the interleukin (IL)-1β gene at position + 3954 was associated with complaints of hearing loss due to occupational exposure. The sample was composed of elderly people with hearing loss (age ≥ 60 years) divided into two groups: 99 with occupational exposure to noise and 193 without exposure. Information on occupational exposure to noise was obtained through interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Hearing acuity was measured from 500 to 6000 Hz and the IL-1β genotype was obtained by the polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Differences in allelic and genotypic frequencies, and the association between genotypic frequencies and complaints of hearing loss due to occupational exposure, were analyzed by the Chi-square test at the 5% significance level. Fifty-one percent of the elderly were homozygous for the ancestral allele (C), 17.2% were homozygous for the polymorphic allele (T) and 31.8% were heterozygous. The frequency was found to be 67-33% C to allele T. There was no significant association between polymorphism in gene IL-1β and hearing loss associated with occupational exposure (χ2 = 0.538; P = 0.676). No association was found with the polymorphism of the IL-1β +3954 C/T gene and hearing loss associated with the occupational noise exposure history.

Prevalence of tinnitus in elderly individuals with and without history of occupational noise exposure.

Summary Introduction: The various metabolic and circulatory alterations that are related to noise exposure may cause the onset of several symptoms, including tinnitus. Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of tinnitus complaints in elderly individuals with and without history of occupational noise exposure. Method: This prospective study was conducted in a sample population consisting of 502 individuals aged over 60 years, by anamnesis and audiological evaluation. The variables that were studied were the frequency of tinnitus and the history of occupational noise. Logistic regression was used to control for potential confusion or modifications caused by the effects of the other variables on the associations of interest. Results and Discussion: Tinnitus was reported in 50% of the cases, with tinnitus reported in 40% of the elderly individuals with history of occupational noise exposure, and in 43% of controls (elderly individuals without history of occupational noise exposure). A high frequency of tinnitus was detected in the population under investigation, but there were no statistically significant associations between the presence of tinnitus and history of occupational noise exposure. Conclusion: The results of this study may have occurred due to other factors such as the age of the individuals without history of occupational noise exposure.

Typical noise exposure in daily life

Objective: Identify the distribution of typical noise levels present in daily life and identify factors associated with average sound levels. Design: This was an observational study. Study sample: Participants (N = 286) were 20 to 68 year old men and women, drawn from the general population of Kalamazoo County, Michigan. A total of 73 000 person-hours of noise monitoring were conducted. Results: Median overall daily average levels were 79 and 77 dBLeqA,8,equiv , with average levels exceeding EPA recommended levels for 70% of participants. Median levels were similar between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and varied little across days of the week. Gender, occupational classification, and history of occupational noise exposure were related to average noise levels, but age, educational attainment, and non-occupational noise exposures were not. Conclusions: A large portion of the general population is exposed to noise levels that could result in long-term adverse effects on hearing. Gender and occupation were most strongly related to exposure, though most participants in this study had occupations that are not conventionally considered noisy.

Noise exposure of musicians of a ballet orchestra

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of noise sensitivity with self-reported hearing disability and hearing levels, with consideration of the role of self-reported history of noise exposure and use of hearing protectors. The study is based on the Finnish Twin Cohort. In 1988, a noise questionnaire was sent to 1005 twin pairs, 1495 individuals (688 men, 807 women) replied. The age range was 31-88 years. Information on some potential confounders was obtained from the questionnaire in 1981 for the same individuals. A subsample of thirty-eight elderly women with noise sensitivity response from 1988 had audiometry data from 2000 to 2001. Noise sensitivity was associated with self-reported hearing disability among all subjects [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-2.12] and among women (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.19-3.04), but no-more significantly among men (OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.86-1.98). The association was primarily seen among younger subjects (50 years or less). The difference between noise sensitive and non-noise sensitive elderly women in the average of thresholds at frequencies of 0.5-4 kHz in the better ear was not significant (Pr = 0.18). Noise sensitivity did not modify the association of hearing disability with the self-reported history of occupational noise exposure. Noise sensitivity was associated with the use of hearing protectors at work. The study shows the importance of recognizing the noise sensitive in noise effect studies, since sensitivity in annoyance has implications in most of the effect categories.

Diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss among non-elderly people

One ofthe known complications of diabetes is hearing impairment. This comparative study in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, aimed to evaluate the association of diabetes mellitus and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) among a non-elderly population. Among 160 subjects aged < 60 years with no history of occupational noise exposure (80 diabetics and 80 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls), 45% of diabetic patients and 20% of controls had SNHL (OR 3.5, 95% CI: 1.6-6.6). Age at onset and duration of diabetes were associated with SNHL. Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor for hearing loss regardless of age and smoking. Determining the cause of SNHL in diabetic patients may lead to development of better treatment options.

The impact of arterial sclerosis on hearing with and without occupational noise exposure: A population-based aging study in males

Objectives Arterial sclerosis contributes to inadequate blood supply to multiple organs, suggesting that general atherosclerosis may play an important role in the inner ear. Since noise is a major etiology for hearing loss, the aim of this study was to evaluate both the respective and the combined effects of arterial sclerosis and occupational noise exposure on hearing after accounting for age in middle-aged and elderly men. Methods The evaluation was conducted using 773 subjects from a population-based sample of 1189 men, aged 40–83 years. The impact of carotid atherosclerosis (CA) or retinal arteriolosclerosis (RA) on hearing was assessed according to history of occupational noise exposure (Noise) obtained in a questionnaire. Differences in the mean pure-tone thresholds at each frequency, between the CA (+) and CA (−) groups or between the RA (+) and RA (−) groups, based on noise exposure were compared using the general linear model (GLM) Procedure in SAS, with adjustments for age. Then, the main effect of CA or RA, and the interactive effect of noise and either CA or RA on pure-tone threshold at seven frequencies were analyzed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), after adjusting for age. Results In the Noise (+) group, a statistically significant deterioration in hearing was found in the CA (+) group compared with the CA (−) group at 500 and 1000 Hz. The results in RA were significant at even lower frequencies than in CA. In the results from ANCOVA, the significant main effect of CA was shown in the pure-tone threshold at 8000 Hz, but not in the analysis of RA. A significant interactive effect of either CA or RA and Noise was observed in hearing at the range from 125 to 1000 Hz. Conclusions The present study suggests that the impact of arterial sclerosis on hearing is limited but significantly hazardous in middle-aged and elderly men, and that arterial sclerosis exacerbates the deleterious effects of noise on hearing. Early recognition of arterial sclerosis might be contributory to the hearing prognosis after middle age, especially for noise-exposed men.

The Ala54Thr polymorphism in the fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) gene is associated with hearing impairment: A preliminary report

Objective The fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) is involved in the transport and metabolism of fatty acids. The FABP2 gene has been proposed as a candidate gene for diabetes and obesity. This study evaluates the hearing impairment risk in the Ala54Thr polymorphism of FABP2 in middle-aged and elderly Japanese. Methods Our sample population comprised 1428 community-dwelling Japanese aged 40–86 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 63.1 ± 9.8) who participated in the Study of Aging between 2004 and 2006. An average hearing threshold level greater than 25 dB in the better ear for frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz was defined as hearing impairment. Data were analyzed by means of a multiple logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Results The per-allele odds ratio for hearing impairment risk was 1.262 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.574) in model 1, adjusting for age, sex, history of ear disease, and history of occupational noise exposure; and 1.259 (CI: 1.009–1.571) in model 2, which adjusted for diabetes, body mass index and the histories of heart disease and hypertension, as well as the moderators in model 1. A significant adverse effect of the Thr54 variant on hearing was observed and the effect was independent of both diabetes and obesity in the present analyses. Conclusions This study demonstrated that the Ala54Thr polymorphism of FABP2 was associated with a risk of hearing impairment in middle-aged and elderly people. The results might support caloric restriction theory indirectly, but additional researches are desired.