Noise Hearing Research Articles

Clinical validation of the Russian Matrix test – effect of hearing loss, age, and noise level

Objective To validate the Russian matrix sentence test (RUMatrix) for the assessment of speech recognition in quiet and in noise in clinical praxis. The effect of hearing impairment, age, and masking-noise level on speech recognition was examined. Design All participants underwent pure tone audiometry, a monosyllabic speech test in quiet, and speech recognition measurements with RUMatrix in quiet (SRTQ) and in noise (SRTN). Study sample One hundred and forty-two listeners divided into four groups: 1. Young normal-hearing listeners, 2. Older normal-hearing listeners, 3. Young hearing-impaired listeners, and 4. Older hearing-impaired listeners. Results Significant differences between groups of listeners were found in the SRTQ and SRTN. A strong correlation between hearing threshold and SRTQ (R2=0.88, p < 0.001) indicates a strong link between speech recognition in quiet and audibility. The pure-tone average explained less variance in SRTN (R2=0.67, p < 0.001), pointing out an additional influence of suprathreshold distortion. A high test sensitivity of 0.99 was found for SRTN and SRTQ. The monosyllabic test had a low sensitivity (0.21), indicating that the test is not suitable for separating normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. Conclusions RuMatrix is a reliable speech recognition assessment tool with a high sensitivity and validity for the main aspects of hearing impairment.

Reseach and practice on prevention and treatment of occupational noise hearing

Reseach and practice on prevention and treatment of occupational noise hearing

Monitoring of Noise Contour Mapping and Hearing Conservation Program of Rice Milling Workers in Griyan Karanganyar

The use of production machines for a rice mill creates noise in the workplace, in addition to causing hearing loss and also disrupting work performance. So that the potential danger of noise at work must be controlled. The purpose of this study was to determine the noise mapping and implementation of a hearing conservation program in the Griyan Karanganyar rice mill. The research methods used in this paper is descriptive method describing research data in the form of noise map using the surfer 13 application and assessment of hearing conservation programs through the employee assessment form. The results of data collection in the thresher machine area = 110.15 dBA, in the skin crushing machine area = 109.39 dBA, in the bleaching machine area = 107.97 dBA, in the sifting area = 85.56 dBA and in the drying area = 80.53 dBA. All above Threshold Limited Value (TLV) except in the drying area. Overall stated that the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) was declared unsuccessful from the worker's assessment of 40% agreeing and 60% disagreeing.

Long-term evolution of the electrical stimulation for cochlear implant adult patients. The role of a progressive adaptation method

Background: In clinical experience patients who do not frequently check the cochlear implant (CI) maps have poor auditory performance and poor acceptance of map variations over time.Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of CI map optimization on both speech perception and subjective hearing in a group of CI patients with a long-standing map.Material and methods: 14 patients (6 females and 8 males; age range 16–77, mean age 45.86 ± 23.85 years) fitted with a unilateral CI (Cochlear Ltd, Sydney, Australia) and a map unchanged for at least 12 months were evaluated. All CIs were remapped using mapping method with progressive adaptation. The speech discrimination in noise and subjective hearing perception (SSQ questionnaire) were evaluated with old and new map.Results: The differences in electrode level with old and new map were significantly different both for T and C- Levels (p < .001). Speech discrimination in noise was significantly better (22.9%; p < .0001) after map optimization. The SSQ questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in the overall scores, except the listening effort sub-scale.Conclusions: Longstanding MAPs are associated with poor speech discrimination. Degradation of electrical stimulation is associated with increased mental effort.

Affective Disorders with Psychosis in Youth: An Update.

Mood disorders, including major depression and mania, can present with psychotic features. In youth psychotic-like phenomena such as "seeing faces in the dark" or "hearing noises" are fairly common. Rates of lifetime psychotic symptoms are much higher than rates of psychosis during a "current" episode of mania or depression in youth. Psychotic phenomena can be mood congruent or incongruent. A detailed mental status examination and clinical history include questioning to ensure the informants understand the questions being asked. There are interviews that structure how questions are asked, and rating scales that help anchor severity and quality of the mood episode.

Effects of Noise in Hearing

Effects of Noise in Hearing

Epidemiology of Occupational Noise Exposure Level in the Industries of Bhutan

Introduction: Noise hearing loss has been long recognized as an occupational disease which is preventable. The health effect of noise exposure depends on the level of noise and the duration of exposure. Thus, understanding noise levels and determining workers’ exposure to different noise levels at workplace is paramount in determining preventable programs at workplace. However, in Bhutan, there is limited or no information or studies on the prevalence of noise exposure level in the industries. Methods: The objective of this article is to ascertain the level of occupational noise exposure in the 26 manufacturing industries in two state of Bhutan and determine the high-risk industry and occupation. Sectors with high risk of noise exposure were selected for the study and similarly, the departments with high noise pollution within the establishment were considered for sampling. The level of noise was measured using NIOSH SLM apps on iOS devices and structured forms were used. Results: 34.6% of industries have occupation noise level between 85 to 90dB(A) and 38.5% have above 91dB(A). By occupation, 43.5% of workers are exposed to occupational noise level more than 90dB(A). Among various occupations, carpenters and operators are found to be vulnerable to hearing loss. Conclusion: Since more than one third of the enterprises have occupational noise level exceeding 90 dB(A), the workers in these workplaces have a higher risk of hearing loss. The situation could be further aggravated due to not using ear protection and not having hearing conservation programs in these workplaces.

In-ear and on-body measurements of impulse-noise exposure

Accurate quantification of noise exposure in military environments is challenging due to movement of listeners and noise sources, spectral and temporal noise characteristics, and varied use of hearing protection. This study evaluates a wearable recording device designed to measure on-body and in-ear noise exposure, specifically in an environment with significant impulse noise resulting from firearms. A commercial audio recorder was augmented to obtain simultaneous measurements inside the ear canal behind an integrated hearing protector, and near the outer ear. Validation measurements, conducted with an acoustic test fixture and shock tube, indicated high impulse peak insertion loss with a proper fit of the integrated hearing protector. The recording devices were worn by five subjects during a live-fire data collection at Marine Corps Base Quantico where Marines fired semi-automatic rifles. The field test demonstrated the successful measurement of high-level impulse waveforms with the on-body and in-ear recording system. Dual channels allowed for instantaneous fit estimates for the hearing protection component, and the device worked as intended in terms of hearing protection and noise dosimetry. Accurate measurements of noise exposure and hearing protector fit should improve the ability to model and assess the risks of noise-induced hearing loss.

Ambient noise levels and hearing screening outcomes: where technology meets clinical decision making

Purpose: The current study aimed to determine the mean ambient noise levels within a risk-based newborn hearing screening (NHS) programme. It further aimed to investigate the relationship between the ambient noise levels and the screening outcome. A descriptive, longitudinal, repeated measures, within-subjects design was employed. Three hundred and twenty-five neonates from two public sector hospitals were enrolled in an NHS programme.Methods: These neonates underwent an initial hearing screening in the wards, and were thereafter booked for a repeat hearing screening which was conducted in an outpatient clinic within the hospital setting. Screening included transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR). The maximum ambient noise levels were measured and recorded for each screening session. Data related to mean ambient noise levels were analysed using descriptive statistics. The independent samples t-test and the Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to determine the association between the ambient noise levels and screening outcomes.Results: Results indicated that the ambient sound levels were significantly higher for ears which referred, compared to ears which passed.Conclusion: Findings from the current study highlight the need for monitoring of ambient noise levels across all screening contexts, and consideration of the inclusion of sound level measurements when planning for hearing screening programmes, particularly for contexts where environmental adaptations may not be possible.

Association between noise annoyance and hearing loss caused by chronic exposure to noise among the workers of an automotive industry

Association between noise annoyance and hearing loss caused by chronic exposure to noise among the workers of an automotive industry

Occupational Noise Dose Reduction via Behavior Modification Using In-Ear Dosimetry among United States Air Force Personnel Exposed to Continuous and Impulse Noise

In-ear dosimetry and noise exposure feedback were used to modify worker attitude and behavior regarding hearing protection use. The study specifically addressed whether providing in-ear noise exposure data to workers resulted in a reduction in average noise dose rate equivalent continuous levels. Nineteen combat arms instructors (impulse noise group) and heavy equipment operators (continuous noise group) working for the United States Air Force volunteered to participate in a six-month field study using in-ear dosimeters to collect daily noise level data. Participants served as their own control group, receiving periodic noise exposure feedback reports in the latter half of the study only. The control and feedback phase noise exposure data were examined using analysis of variance for differences that could be indicative of more effective hearing protection device use. Additionally, a 7-point Likert survey was used to monitor worker attitude towards hearing protection use, and worker medical histories were examined for evidence of previous hearing loss. Overall, this research found a significant reduction in noise dose rate equivalent continuous level (-2.5 dB with p = 0.019) for the continuous noise group following periodic noise exposure feedback on in-ear noise levels. This effect was not detected at the individual level due to limited samples. No effect was detected in the impulse noise population, likely due to limitations of dosimeter technology in response to impulse noise. No correlation between worker attitudes towards hearing protection and noise dose rate equivalent continuous level was detected for either group (continuous p = 0.249; impulse p = 0.478). While workers reported that in-ear dosimeters and noise exposure feedback helped them control their exposures, few reported using immediate feedback functions to control noise exposures within a work shift. These results indicate that in-ear dosimetry and noise exposure feedback could provide an effective tool to reduce worker noise exposures over time. However, advances in dosimeter technology are necessary before it can be evaluated for impulse noise. Additionally, further research is necessary to understand the link between worker attitude and hearing protection device use.

The main directions of prevention of noise pathology in the Armed Forces

In accordance with the existing Federal sanitary standards, noise and infrasound are considered to be an harmful production factor and in terms of their prevalence they occupy a leading place in the national economy. To prevent the harmful effects of noise and infrasound on the health of members of the armed forces establishes the main lines. For prognostic assessment of harmful influence of production factors on production facilities and transport the special assessment of working conditions is carried out without fail. Hygienic research of workplaces has shown that noise and infra-sound levels correspond to harmful and dangerous classes, that is, risks of professional pathology of acoustic Genesis are created. The presence of acoustic sources in the Armed forces requires constant monitoring of them, the annual special assessment of working conditions development of preventive measures. The impact of noise and infra-sound leads to a decrease in military and professional performance and an increase in General and professional morbidity. The leading place in the structure of morbidity of noise etiology is a sensorineural hearing loss. This requires further improvement of the provision of specialized assistance to military personnel in the presence of noise hearing loss. In the current regulations of the military medical services noise and infrasound are not identified as a harmful factor, and therefore not fully developed the issues of professional selection, monitoring and medical examination of noise pathology. An important place in the system of prevention of harmful effects of noise is given to the means especially individual of protection against noise. Their absence and low efficiency pose a threat to the acoustic safety of military personnel. Provision of personnel with means of individual protection against noise and control of the correctness of their operation are the most relevant measures to reduce the noise pathology of the hearing organ. The existing system of measures to combat the harmful effects of noise in the Armed forces requires revision in accordance with the existing state legislative and legal framework.

Occupational Diseases in the Petrochemical Sector and Offshore Upstream Petroleum Industry

In this mini-review occupational diseases (ODs) in the offshore oil and gas industry and the petrochemical sector are discussed. A disappointing number of publications during half a century yields a picture of hearing noise damage,musculoskelatal disorders (MSDs), debated cancers and dermatitis as main ODs. Crucial information about exposures at work places, working history and life styles to establish causal relationships is missing. Little attention is paid to job stress and mental health, addictions and COPD at the work place.

The etiology of spaceflight-associated hearing loss

Since the Apollo space missions, spaceflight-associated hearing loss has been considered a medical risk. NASA has given over a million dollars to astronauts as compensation for their hearing loss. The cause of spaceflight-associated hearing loss is unknown. Currently, research has shown sensorimotor and perceptual performance deteriorates after spaceflight. Certainly, the resulting hearing loss may not be caused by a unitary phenomenon, but rather due to a combination of factors endured during space flight. While presumed to be noise-induced, no link has been established between hearing loss and noise exposure during spaceflight; thus, countermeasures to reduce noise alone may be ineffective. Assessing the cause of spaceflight associated hearing loss may provide insight into novel neural, functional, and structural manifestations which could improve the safety and efficacy of terrestrial and space habitats.

Noise perception and hearing protector use in metallurgical industries

Although hearing protectors are defined as a temporary solution, they are often widely employed as the only measure against noise exposure. However, it is also known that unless workers wear the hearing protector continuously, their effectiveness will be very low. In this regard, there are some surveys that show that workers do not always wear their protectors properly and consistently while exposed to noise. The purpose of this article is to present the results of an investigation about noise perception, relating with noise exposure in working environment and the hearing protectors’ use. Was consider that noise perceptions effects can support minimizing risk and improve industries safety polities. The study sample was carry out in 5 metallurgical industries and 243 workers from Parana – Brazil. The survey data was collected and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The questionnaire results showed that workers are exposed at high noise levels, in increasing risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). About the hearing protection use, it can be evaluated that the use is more effective in companies with a higher level of noise exposure. The perception of risk plays a fundamental role, which predicts the use of hearing protectors; therefore, the perception of the work environment, regarding the lower or higher risk, can be directly linked to the use of hearing protectors. The companies with more rigorous safety procedures also indicate a greater report of effective use of hearing protectors.

Occupational Noise Reduction in CNC Striping Process

Occupational noise hearing loss with high level exposure is common occupational hazards. In CNC striping process, employee that exposed to high noise level for a long time as 8-hour contributes to hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress that reduce productivity. In this paper, CNC stripping process with high level noises are measured and reduced to the permissible noise exposure. First condition is all machines shutting down and second condition when all CNC machine under operations. For both conditions, noise exposures were measured to evaluate the noise problems and sources. After improvement made, the noise exposures were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of reduction. The initial average noise level at the first condition is 95.797 dB (A). After the pneumatic system with leakage was solved, the noise reduced to 55.517 dB (A). The average noise level at the second condition is 109.340 dB (A). After six machines were gathered at one area and cover that area with plastic curtain, the noise reduced to 95.209 dB (A). In conclusion, the noise level exposure in CNC striping machine is high and exceed the permissible noise exposure can be reduced to acceptable levels. The reduction of noise level in CNC striping processes enhanced productivity in the industry.

Wind Turbine Noise and Health Effects

We investigated whether long-term exposure to low-frequency noise generated by wind power facilities is a risk factor for sleep disorders. We performed an epidemiological study of the living environment and health effects of such noise by surveying 9,000 residents (≥20 years of age) living in areas with operational wind power facilities. Sleep disorders were assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale. To assess environmental noise in residential areas near wind turbines, infrasound and low-frequency sound exposure levels were measured at 50 community centers of a town. The prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly higher among residents who reported subjectively hearing noise (by approximately twofold) than among those who did not. Moreover, the reported prevalence of sleep disorders was significantly higher (by approximately twofold) among residents living at a distance of ≤1,500 m from the nearest wind turbine than among residents living at a distance of ≥2,000 m, suggesting a dose-response relationship. The attitudes of residents towards wind power facilities strongly affected their responses regarding sleep disorder prevalence. It is highly likely that audible noise generated by wind power facilities is a risk factor for sleep disorders. Obtaining a satisfactory consensus from local residents before installing wind power facilities is important as for more amenable their attitudes towards such facilities.

The effect of tinnitus specific intracochlear stimulation on speech perception in patients with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss accompanied with tinnitus and the effect of formal auditory training

Objectives: Previous studies show that intracochlear electrical stimulation independent of environmental sounds appears to suppress tinnitus, even long-term. In order to assess the viability of this potential treatment option it is essential to study the effects of this tinnitus specific electrical stimulation on speech perception. Design: A randomised, prospective crossover design. Study sample: Ten patients with unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss and severe tinnitus complaints. Results: The audiological effects of standard clinical CI, formal auditory training and tinnitus specific electrical stimulation were investigated. Results show that standard clinical CI in unilateral or asymmetric hearing loss is shown to be beneficial for speech perception in quiet, speech perception in noise and subjective hearing ability. Formal auditory training does not appear to improve speech perception performance. However, CI-related discomfort reduces significantly more rapidly during CI rehabilitation in subjects receiving formal auditory training. Furthermore, tinnitus specific electrical stimulation has neither positive nor negative effects on speech perception. Conclusions: In combination with the findings from previous studies on tinnitus suppression using intracochlear electrical stimulation independent of environmental sounds, the results of this study contribute to the viability of cochlear implantation based on tinnitus complaints.

Acoustic standards for education of hearing conservation and industrial hygiene professionals

The practice of hearing conservation and industrial hygiene requires that workers’ noise exposures and hearing be evaluated. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has supported the development of new standards to assess hearing, hearing protector effectiveness and examined methods to best assess noise exposures to better understand the risk of workers developing noise induced hearing loss. This talk will consider noise measurement using both American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Standards Organization (ISO) acoustic standards. The paper will compare and contrast the hearing protector evaluation and rating standards for ANSI and ISO. The potential for using applications with mobile devices will be discussed.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF A RARE ANOMALY OF BRACHIOCEPHALIC ARTERIES

After presentation of focal neurologic symptoms due to acute or chronic ischemic brain disease all patients should undergo complex examination in order to identify the source that changed hemodynamics and define management strategy. We present a clinical case of multiple aortic and brachiocephalic arteries anomalies in patient with complaints for dizziness and hearing noise. Computed tomography revealed right aortic arch with anomaly of brachiocephalic vessels branching, hypoplasia of left common carotid artery, agenesis of left internal carotid artery with «adult” type of collateral supply, hypoplasia of left vertebral artery, fusiform aneurysm of left posterior cerebral artery and also right internal carotid artery tortuosity in extracranial segment. Perfusion computer tomography showed symmetric cerebral flow. Computed tomography enables to assess different vascular changes in patients with brachiocephalic arteries anomalies and therefor to optimize treatment strategy.