Risk Of Noise-induced Hearing Loss Research Articles

When does the risk of noise-induced hearing loss become relevant? : The new exposure tables for occupational noise-induced hearing loss (BK-Nr. 2301 traffic light scheme)

When does the risk of noise-induced hearing loss become relevant? : The new exposure tables for occupational noise-induced hearing loss (BK-Nr. 2301 traffic light scheme)

Risk analysis of noise-induced hearing loss of workers in the automobile manufacturing industries based on back-propagation neural network model: a cross-sectional study in Han Chinese population.

This study aims to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. It provides an early, simple and accurate prediction method for NIHL. Population based, a cross sectional study. Han, China. This study selected 3266 Han male workers from three automobile manufacturing industries. Information including personal life habits, occupational health test information and occupational exposure history were collected and predictive factors of NIHL were screened from these workers. BPNN and logistic regression models were constructed using these predictors. The input variables of BPNN model were 20, 16 and 21 important factors screened by univariate, stepwise and lasso-logistic regression. When the BPNN model was applied to the test set, it was found to have a sensitivity (TPR) of 83.33%, a specificity (TNR) of 85.92%, an accuracy (ACC) of 85.51%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 52.85%, a negative predictive value of 96.46% and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) is: 0.926 (95% CI: 0.891 to 0.961), which demonstrated the better overall properties than univariate-logistic regression modelling (AUC: 0.715) (95% CI: 0.652 to 0.777). The BPNN model has better predictive performance against NIHL than the stepwise-logistic and lasso-logistic regression model in terms of TPR, TNR, ACC, PPV and NPV (p<0.05); the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of NIHL is also higher than that of the stepwise and lasso-logistic regression model (p<0.05). It was a relatively important factor in NIHL to find cumulative noise exposure, auditory system symptoms, age, listening to music or watching video with headphones, exposure to high temperature and noise exposure time in the trained BPNN model. The BPNN model was a valuable tool in dealing with the occupational risk prediction problem of NIHL. It can be used to predict the risk of an individual NIHL.

Impact of occupational noise exposure on the hearing level in hospital staffs: a longitudinal study.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of occupational noise on hearing loss among healthcare workers using audiometry. A longitudinal study was conducted with a six-month follow-up period in a hospital with 21 participants, divided into high-noise-exposure (HNE) and low-noise-exposure (LNE) groups. Mean noise levels were higher in the HNE group (70.4 ± 4.5 dBA), and hearing loss was measured using pure-tone audiometry at baseline and follow-up. The HNE group had significantly higher mean threshold levels at frequencies of 0.25kHz, 0.5kHz, 4.0kHz, and an average of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4kHz (all p-values < 0.05) after the follow-up period. After adjusting for confounding factors, the HNE group had significantly higher hearing loss levels at 0.25kHz, 0.5kHz, and average frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4kHz compared to the LNE group at the second measurement. Occupational noise levels above 65 dBA over six months were found to cause significant threshold changes at frequencies of 0.25kHz, 0.5kHz, and an average of 0.5-4.0kHz. This study highlights the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among healthcare workers and emphasizes the importance of implementing effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace. Regular monitoring and assessment of noise levels and hearing ability, along with proper use of personal protective equipment, are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of occupational noise exposure on the hearing health of healthcare workers.

Case study: Noise risk assessment of workers at the mechanized mining face of coal mines

An assessment of workers at the mechanized mining face of coal mines was conducted in China. The survey on the current status of subject exposure to noise of coal miners was administered by occupational health investigation and detailed record of work days. The noise dosimeter measurements of 211 workers were obtained, including coal cutting, supporting, transportation, crushing, and auxiliary (such as air pressure, pump, and maintenance). A total of 56.4% of the LEX,8h exceeded 85 dB(A), and the average 8-hour equivalent sound level of the workers at the mechanized mining face of these coal mines was 91.2 dB(A). Within the noise frequency from 500 to 6000 Hz, there was a “V” shift in the displacement value of hearing threshold. At the noise frequency of 4000 Hz, the hearing loss N50 (dB) of workers reached the maximum. The longer the exposure time, the higher risk both in high-frequency hearing loss and noise-induced deafness. The risk of high-frequency hearing loss reached the high-risk level at 25 years of work, while the risk of noise deafness reached the high-risk level after 30 years of work. In addition, the Pearson correlation coefficient between the noise exposure time and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss was high and positively correlated. The results show that the production noise hazards at the mechanized mining face of coal mine are relatively large. High levels of hazardous noise exposure are typical in coal mines. The noise exposure data can help to develop more feasible noise controls for the employer.

Associations Between Recreational Noise Exposure and Hearing Function in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review.

There is an increasing concern regarding hazardous recreational noise exposure among adolescents and young adults. Daily exposure to loud sound levels over a long period of time can increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The full extent of the impact of recreational noise on hearing is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this review was to synthesize research that investigated hearing function in relation to recreational noise exposure in adolescents and young adults. A systematic literature search of five databases covering the years 2000-2023 was performed. The articles included investigated audiological measurements of hearing function in relation to recreational noise exposure. Four hundred sixty records were identified, of which 20 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the results. This review showed that although some recreational noise activities can be potentially harmful, there is an unclear relationship between exposure and outcome. Some findings indicated hearing threshold shifts or reduced otoacoustic emission amplitudes after recreational noise exposure, but most changes were short term and in the extended high-frequency range. There seemed to be inconsistencies regarding the utilization of methods of measuring exposure and outcome between studies. This might be one reason for the differing results in studies on the reported impact on hearing function from recreational noise exposure. To draw more certain conclusions about long-term effects, there is a need for longitudinal research that utilizes sound level measurements to assess low and high degrees of recreational noise exposure in relation to hearing function. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25114193.

The effects of music listening time with headphones on hearing thresholds among the young population

BackgroundToday, young people who listen to loud music, especially through headphones, are at an extremely high risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The aim of this study was to investigate how young people’s listening habits affect their hearing thresholds. A total of 88 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 took part in the study, 44 of whom listened to music through headphones while the others did not. The control group was exposed to white noise at 55–65 dB with the Interacoustic AC 40 Hybrid Audiometer, and people who did not use headphones and said they were not exposed to higher levels of sound than the given sample were included in the study. Participants were given a survey to assess their music listening preferences. One hundred twenty-five to 18,000 Hz air conduction hearing thresholds were assessed for all participants.ResultsWhen the pure tone thresholds of the groups were compared, the independent t-test showed that the thresholds of the study group were significantly worse than those of the control group. Bilaterally in the 4000 Hz band and for the left ear in the 6000 Hz band (p < 0.05). There were also significant differences between the groups in the 14,000 Hz and 16,000 Hz bands in the right ear and the 14,000 Hz, 16,000 Hz, and 18,000 Hz bands in the left ear (p < 0.05). Twenty-two participants reported listening to music at a high level, 16 participants at a moderate level, and 6 participants at a very high level.ConclusionAlthough the hearing thresholds of the study group were worse than those of the control group in the 4000 Hz, 6000 Hz, 14,000 Hz, 16,000 Hz, and 18,000 Hz bands, the hearing thresholds of both groups were still within the hearing range and could be classified as normal. It should be remembered that hearing will deteriorate if a person listens to loud or very loud music continuously through headphones. The public, especially young people, should be made aware of this.

Interactions of genetic variations in FAS, GJB2 and PTPRN2 are associated with noise-induced hearing loss: a case-control study in China

BackgroundThis study aimed to screen and validate noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), construct genetic risk prediction models, and evaluate higher-order gene-gene, gene-environment interactions for NIHL in Chinese population.MethodsFirst, 83 cases and 83 controls were recruited and 60 candidate SNPs were genotyped. Then SNPs with promising results were validated in another case-control study (153 cases and 252 controls). NIHL-associated SNPs were identified by logistic regression analysis, and a genetic risk model was constructed based on the genetic risk score (GRS), and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to evaluate interactions among gene-gene and gene-environment.ResultsSix SNPs in five genes were significantly associated with NIHL risk (p < 0.05). A positive dose-response relationship was found between GRS values and NIHL risk. CART analysis indicated that strongest interaction was among subjects with age ≥ 45 years and cumulative noise exposure ≥ 95 [dB(A)·years], without personal protective equipment, and carried GJB2 rs3751385 (AA/AB) and FAS rs1468063 (AA/AB) (OR = 10.038, 95% CI = 2.770, 47.792), compared with the referent group. CDH23, FAS, GJB2, PTPRN2 and SIK3 may be NIHL susceptibility genes.ConclusionGRS values may be utilized in the evaluation of the cumulative effect of genetic risk for NIHL based on NIHL-associated SNPs. Gene-gene, gene-environment interaction patterns play an important role in the incidence of NIHL.

Comparison of the effects of mental fatigue on medial olivocochlear reflex and cortical activity

The medial cochlear reflex (MOCR) is assumed to protects the inner ear from acoustic overexposure. The MOCR strength assay is expected to be applied to screen for individuals at high risk for noise-induced hearing loss. However, the MOCR strength varies from one measurement to another, and it is necessary to identify the factors that cause the MOCR variations for more accurate risk assessment. It has been reported that variations in cortical cognitive function, e.g., attention and expectation, influence MOCR strength. Here we examined the effects of mental fatigue, one of the causes that degrade cognitive functions, on MOCR. The degree of mental fatigue was adjusted by varying the difficulty of a calculation task and investigated the effects on MOCR. To elucidate the mechanism of MOCR variations associated with mental fatigue, cortical activities were evaluated by measuring slow vertex response (SVR). Although MOCR strength and SVR amplitude did not change significantly after the calculation task, two measures had reverse dependence on the difficulty of the calculation task; A moderately difficult calculation task increased SVR amplitude while reduced MOCR strength. The results implicate that MOCR variations associated with mental fatigue can be attributed to cortical activity changes.

Noise-Induced Hearing Threshold Shift Correlated with Body Weight and External-Ear Amplification in Chinchilla: a Preliminary Analysis

BackgroundExternal-ear amplification (EEA) has been shown to vary from 5–19 dB-A in large datasets of pediatric, adolescent, and adult human participants. However, variable EEA is an overlooked characteristic that likely plays a role in individual noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility. A noise exposure varying 5–19 dB-A translates to high-EEA individuals theoretically experiencing 3–4 times greater NIHL risk than low-EEA individuals.ObjectiveThe purpose of this preliminary analysis was to test the hypothesis that higher EEA is correlated with increased noise-induced threshold shift susceptibility.DesignNine chinchillas were exposed to 4-kHz octave-band noise at 89 dB-SPL for 24 h. Auditory brainstem response thresholds were obtained pre-exposure, 24-h post-exposure, and 4-week post-exposure. Relationships between EEA and threshold shift were analyzed.ResultsOpen-ear EEA ranged 11–19 dB-SPL, and occluded-ear EEA ranged 10–21 dB-SPL. Higher occluded-ear EEA was correlated with increased NIHL susceptibility (p = 0.04), as was lower body weight (p = 0.01). Male animals exhibited more threshold shift than female animals (p = 0.02), lower body weight than female animals (p = 0.02), and higher occluded-ear EEA (male mean = 18 dB; female mean = 15 dB).ConclusionsTaken together, increased threshold shift susceptibility was observed in the smallest animals, animals with the highest occluded-ear EEA, and in male animals (which tended to have higher occluded-ear EEA). Given the established relationship between smaller body size and higher occluded-ear EEA, these preliminary results suggest that body size (and occluded-ear EEA; a function of body size) could be a potential, underlying driver of NIHL susceptibility differences, rather than true sex differences.

Risk of noise-induced hearing loss in the spine surgeon

Occupation-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has both negative economic and quality of life implications. The risk spine surgeons undertake in regards to NIHL during operative intervention is unknown. Governing bodies, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, have recommended exposure limits not to exceed 85 decibels (dB) over 8 hours. The purpose of this study is to characterize noise exposure to spine surgeons in the operating room (OR). Prospective collection of intraoperative recordings of spinal surgeries (cervical and thoracic/lumbar) was undertaken. Data gathered included procedure, operative duration, presence of background music, and noise information. Noise information included maximum decibel level (MDL), Peak level (LCPeak), Equivalent continuous sound pressure level, time weighted average (TWA), dose, and projected dose. Noise measurements were compared with baseline controls with and without music (empty ORs). Two hundred seven noise recordings were analyzed. One hundred eighteen of those being spinal surgeries, 49 baseline recordings without music, and 40 with music. Maximum decibel level reached a maximum value of 111.5 dBA, with an average amongst surgical recordings of 103 dBA. Maximum decibel level exceeded 85 dBA in 100% of cases and was greater than 100 dBA in 78%. The maximum LCPeak recorded was 132.9 dBC with an average of 120 dBC. Furthermore, the average dose was 7.8% with an average projected dose of 26.5%. The highest dose occurred during a laminectomy at 72.9% of daily allowable noise. Maximum projected dose yielded 156% during a 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Spine surgeons are routinely exposed to damaging noise levels (>85 dBA) during operative intervention. With spine surgeons often performing multiple surgeries a day, the cumulative risk of noise exposure cannot be ignored. The synergistic effects of continuous and impact noise places spine surgeons at risk for the development of occupation-related NIHL.

Effect of Lipid Profile Parameters on Noise Induced Hearing Loss.

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible occupational disease among industrial workers. Recent studies have reported that changes in some metabolic factors such as the serum level of sugar and lipids might have a role in suffering from NIHL among workers exposed to noise. We designed this study to assess the association between lipid profile changes and NIHL occurrence among noise-exposed workers. This case-control study has been conducted according to noise-exposed workers registry data in one of the Iranian automobile factories between 2007 and 2017. We classified study workers into the NIHL and control groups. We assessed the impact of lipid profile parameters across the study groups using the independent samples t-test, chi-square, and regression. The mean serum level of cholesterol was significantly higher in the NIHL group than in workers of the control group (215.27 ± 60.30 vs 204.49 ± 63.69 mg/dL; P = 0.041). Moreover, the serum level of HDL was significantly lower in workers in the NIHL group compared with the control group (35.21 ± 6.87 vs 37.43 ± 7.28 mg/dL; P < 0.001). Although other lipid profile parameters (LDL, TG, LDL/HDL ratio) were higher among workers of the NIHL group, their differences were not significant. A cholesterol level lower than 200 mg/dL is known as a protective factor and an HDL level lower than 40 mg/dL is an NIHL risk factor. More attention should be paid to controlling serum levels of cholesterol and HDL.

Hearing loss prevention at loud music events via real-time visuo-haptic feedback

Hearing loss is becoming a global problem, partly as a consequence of exposure to loud music. People may be unaware about the harmful sound levels and consequent damages caused by loud music at venues such as discotheques or festivals. Earplugs are effective in reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss but have been shown to be an insufficient prevention strategy. Thus, when it is not possible to lower the volume of the sound source, a viable solution to the problem is to relocate to quieter locations from time to time. In this context, this study introduces a bracelet device with the goal of warning users when the music sound level is too loud in their specific location, via haptic, visual or visuo-haptic feedback. The bracelet embeds a microphone, a microcontroller, an LED strip and four vibration motors. We performed a user study where thirteen participants were asked to react to the three kinds of feedback during a simulated disco club event where the volume of music pieces varied to reach a loud intensity. Results showed that participants never missed the above threshold notification via all types of feedback, but visual feedback led to the slowest reaction times and was deemed the least effective. In line with the findings reported in the hearing loss prevention literature, the perceived usefulness of the proposed device was highly dependent on participants’ subjective approach to the topic of hearing risks at loud music events as well as their willingness to take action regarding its prevention. Ultimately, our study shows how technology, no matter how effective, may not be able to cope with these kinds of cultural issues concerning hearing loss prevention. Educational strategies may represent a more effective solution to the real problem of changing people’s attitudes and motivations to want to protect their hearing.

Accounting for individual differences in the effects of hearing protectors on sound source localization

Modern hearing protection devices (HPDs) mitigate the risk of noise-induced hearing loss when used as intended, but negative auditory perceptual side-effects continue to limit usability in critical settings. Dozens of studies, including previous studies by our group, have shown that HPDs lead to significant errors in sound source localization, including large errors in source elevation perception and disorienting front-back confusions. Degradation of performance relative to open-ear listening arises due to peripheral disruptions of monaural and binaural acoustic cues for sound localization; for higher-attenuation devices, reduced audibility can also limit access to these cues, even if cues are relatively intact. A recent multi-site effort by our group leveraged manikin-based acoustic measurements of HPD-induced signal distortions to predict human localization performance during HPD use. Manikin-based acoustic metrics were positively correlated with behavioral performance across a large population of human listeners (n ≥ 120), enabling discrimination of localization impacts across HPDs, but significant individual variability was evident. Here we consider individual factors that may contribute to variability in HPD localization impact across wearers, including audiometric factors and auricular/acoustic factors. Correlational analyses of individualized predictors with localization performance provide new insight on factors that may differentially constrain – or facilitate – sound localization during HPD use.

The Effects of Noise Intensity and Duration of Exposure on Hearing Threshold of Students in Vocational High School 2 Banda Aceh

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by loud and continuous of noise exposure for a long time. Vocational high school students are a population at high risk of noise-induced hearing loss. This is due to exposure to noise from machines or practicum tools. The noise intensity from practicum tools or machines often exceeds the permissible threshold. Objective: To determine the effect of intensity and duration of noise exposure on hearing thresholds in students of Vocational high school 2 (SMKN 2) Banda Aceh. Method: This type of research is an observational analytic with a cross sectional design. The research sample was students of class XI and XII in the engineering and automotive department who were willing to participate in the research. The samples were interviewed and subjected to otoscopic and audiometric examinations. Room noise was rated with sound level meter. Results: 121 samples that met the inclusion criteria of this study. The majority of the sample in this study were 16 years old (47.9%), male (100%), were in the engineering department (75.2%), had never used ear protection (93.4%), were exposed to noise for 4-6 days a week (85.1%) and exposed to noise with an intensity of &gt;85dB (75.2%). In this study it was found that noise intensity and duration of exposure to noise had an effect on the increase in hearing threshold (p=0.001). Conclusion: There is a relationship between noise intensity and duration of noise exposure to the hearing threshold.

124. Risk of noise-induced hearing loss in the spine surgeon

124. Risk of noise-induced hearing loss in the spine surgeon

Predictive value of serum proteomic biomarkers for noise-induced hearing loss.

Early detection of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in patients with long-term noise exposure is vital for improving public health and reducing social burden. However, at present, the diagnosis of NIHL mainly depends on audiometric testing, and the primary test is pure-tone audiometry. Moreover, testing requires professional operators and complex equipment; thus, NIHL is often diagnosed at a later disease stage. Using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based proteomic approach, we identified 9 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), namely, 6 upregulated serum proteins and 3 downregulated serum proteins, in samples from 50 ground crew personnel working at an air force station. Then, according to the results, we predicted that caldesmon (CALD1), myocilin (MYOC), zyxin (ZYX), creatine kinase M-type (CKM), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), complement factor H-related protein 4 (CFHR4), prenylcysteine oxidase 1 (PCYOX1), heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (HSPA8), and immunoglobulin lambda variable 3-21 (IGLV3-21) were associated with NIHL. We selected these DEPs as variables to perform logistic regression. Finally, a logistic regression model was constructed based on IGFBP2, ZYX, CKM, and CFHR4. The area under the curve was 0.894 (95% CI = 0.812 to 0.977). These findings suggested that IGFBP2, ZYX, CKM, and CFHR4 in serum are differentially expressed in NIHL patients and have the potential to be biomarkers for predicting the risk for NIHL. Further experiments in mice showed that ZYX and IGFBP2 in the cochlear were increased after noise exposure. ZYX and IGFBP2 may be involved in the occurrence and development of NIHL.

Healthcare Professionals and Noise-Generating Tools: Challenging Assumptions about Hearing Loss Risk.

Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, affecting billions of people and leading to various physical, mental, and social consequences. This paper focuses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among specific healthcare professionals, especially ear surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, who frequently use noisy instruments in their professions. While studies on these professionals' noise exposure levels are limited, certain conditions and factors could pose a risk to their hearing. Measures such as engineering and administrative controls, regular audiometric testing, and the use of hearing protection devices are crucial in preventing NIHL. Early detection and intervention are also vital to mitigate further damage. This paper proposes the results of a modified screening protocol, including questionnaires, audiometry, and additional diagnostic tests to identify and address potential hearing disorders. Specific healthcare professionals should remain aware of the risks, prioritize hearing protection, and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard their long-term auditory well-being.

The Effect of Medical Student Behavior in Personal Listening Devices Usage on The Average of High-Frequency Threshold in Online Learning During Pandemic

During COVID-19, online learning became one of the impacts that could not be avoided. One form of adaptation among students is increasing the use of Personal Listening Devices (PLD) for online learning needs. An increase in the intensity and frequency of using PLD can increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, namely hearing loss due to noise where there is an increase in a person's hearing threshold due to disruption of hearing cells in the inner ear Corti organ. The purpose of this study was to prove whether there is an influence between the behavior of medical students in using PLD and the average high-frequency listening threshold during online learning. The research method used is an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach. The data was analized by Chi-square test. The results showed that: the PLD usage (p=0.160, p=0.498); the length of PLD usage (p=0.452, p=0.071); the duration of PLD usage per day before the pandemic (p=0.895, p=0.309); the duration of PLD usage per day during the pandemic (p=0.957, p=0.428); the duration of PLD usage per week before the pandemic (p=0.764, p=0.796); the duration of PLD usage per week during the pandemic (p=0.811, p=0.942); the PLD volume (p=0.731, p=0.731); the time of PLD usage (p=0.812, p=0.092); the increased intensity of PLD usage (p=0.291, p=0.887); the PLD type (p=0.879, p=0.476); and PLD's noise reduction facilities (p=0.879, p=0.353). This study concludes that there is no influence of the PLD usage behavior among the medical students on high-frequency thresholds during pandemic online learning.

The role of kurtosis and kurtosis-adjusted energy metric in occupational noise-induced hearing loss among metal manufacturing workers.

Noise energy has been well-established to increase the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). However, the role of noise temporal structure (expressed by kurtosis) or its combination with energy metrics (e.g., kurtosis-adjusted cumulative noise exposure, adj-CNE) in occupational NIHL was still unclear. A cross-sectional survey of 867 Chinese workers, including 678 metal manufacturing workers and 189 workers exposed to Gaussian noise, was conducted. Noise energy metrics, including LAeq,8h and CNE, kurtosis (β), and adj-CNE were used to quantify noise exposure levels. Noise-induced permanent threshold shift at frequencies 3, 4, and 6 kHz (NIPTS346) and the prevalence of high-frequency NIHL (HFNIHL%) were calculated for each participant. The dose-response relationship between kurtosis or adj-CNE and occupational NIHL was observed. Among 867 workers, different types of work had specific and independent noise energy and kurtosis values (p > 0.05). HFNIHL% increased with an increase in exposure duration (ED), LAeq,8h, CNE, or kurtosis (p < 0.01), and there were strong linear relationships between HFNIHL% and ED (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.963), CNE (R2 = 0.976), or kurtosis (R2 = 0.938, when CNE < 100 dB(A)∙year). The "V" shape notching extent in NIPTS became deeper with increasing kurtosis when CNE < 100 dB(A)∙year and reached the notching bottom at the frequency of 4 or 6 kHz. The workers exposed to complex noise (β ≥ 10) had a higher risk of NIHL than those exposed to Gaussian noise (β < 10) at the frequencies of 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz (OR > 2, p < 0.01). Moreover, HFNIHL% increased with adj-CNE (p < 0.001). There were strong linear relationships between NIHL and adj-CNE or CNE when β ≥ 10 (R2adj-CNE > R2CNE). After CNE was adjusted by kurtosis, average differences in NIPTS346 or HFNIHL% between the complex and Gaussian noise group were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Kurtosis was a key factor influencing occupational NIHL among metal manufacturing workers, and its combination with energy metrics could assess the risk of NIHL more effectively than CNE alone.

Noise exposure in pediatric otolaryngology clinic: A sound survey of a single-institution tertiary care facility

BackgroundThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers acoustic exposure of 90 decibels (dB) an occupational risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Pediatric healthcare clinicians are exposed to considerable noise especially during invasive procedures, predisposing them to noise-induced hearing loss, increased work-related stress, and increased complications associated with intense noise exposure. While there has been extensive research in noise exposure in dentistry, to date there has been no research on noise exposure in the pediatric otolaryngology clinic setting. The objective of this study is to quantify the degree of noise exposure that pediatric otolaryngologists encounter in the clinical setting. MethodsA sound survey was performed of 420 pediatric otolaryngology clinic visits within a single-institution tertiary care facility from January 2022 to March 2022, with a total of 409 visits included. At each visit, noise was measured using a calibrated National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Sound Meter application, an iPad, and a microphone. The Equivalent Continuous Sound Pressure Level (LAeq), peak sound pressure level (SPL), C-weighted peak noise level (LCpeak), and the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) sound level were recorded. ResultsThe average LAeq was 61.1 dB, the median LAeq was 60.3 dB, and the average peak SPL was 80.5 dB. Only 0.5 % of visits reached an LAeq above 80 dB, however, 51 % were above 60 dB and 99 % were above 45 dB. No clinicians were exposed to noise exceeding established limits of safety. Patients younger than ten years old (p < 0.001) and those who underwent procedures such as cerumen removal (p < 0.001) elicited higher ranges of elevated noise. Multivariate analysis confirmed that increased age decreased acoustic exposure while procedures increased acoustic exposure. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that pediatric otolaryngology clinicians do not exceed hazardous noise limit exposure. However, they are exposed to levels above those which have been linked to stress, poor productivity, and stress-related disorders. This analysis also reports that patients who are younger and those that undergo procedures, specifically cerumen removal, tend to expose their providers to the highest levels of noise. This is the first study examining noise exposure in pediatric otolaryngology, and further research should evaluate the risks of noise exposure in this environment.