Risk Of Noise-induced Hearing Loss Research Articles

Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from Recreational Firearms.

In the United States and other parts of the world, recreational firearm shooting is a popular sport that puts the hearing of the shooter at risk. Peak sound pressure levels (SPLs) from firearms range from ∼140 to 175 dB. The majority of recreational firearms (excluding small-caliber 0.17 and 0.22 rifles and air rifles) generate between 150 and 165 dB peak SPLs. High-intensity impulse sounds will permanently damage delicate cochlear structures, and thus individuals who shoot firearms are at a higher risk of bilateral, high-frequency, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) than peer groups who do not shoot. In this article, we describe several factors that influence the risk of NIHL including the use of a muzzle brake, the number of shots fired, the distance between shooters, the shooting environment, the choice of ammunition, the use of a suppressor, and hearing protection fit and use. Prevention strategies that address these factors and recommendations for specialized hearing protectors designed for shooting sports are offered. Partnerships are needed between the hearing health community, shooting sport groups, and wildlife conservation organizations to develop and disseminate accurate information and promote organizational resources that support hearing loss prevention efforts.

Does excessive music practicing have addiction potential?

In the past, several researchers investigating expertise developed theories to explain the disciplined and self-devoting behavior of a professional musician in terms of practice habits (Burzik, 2002, 2007; de La Motte-Haber, 1985; Hallam, Cross, & Thaut, 2009; Kemp, 2004; Kloppel & Altenmuller, 2013; Lehmann & Oerter, 2011; Mahlert, 2007; Woody & McPherson, 2012). Professional musicians commit themselves to practicing and invest great amounts of time, effort, and often money into their although the reward is mostly immaterial: A recent large sample study reveals the alarmingly poor living conditions of musicians even in economically strong and stable countries like Germany (Renz, 2016). Usually, explanations focus on motivational psychology which implies a general goal-directedness of the behavior (de La Motte-Haber, 1985; Kemp, 2004; North & Hargreaves, 2008). However, anecdotal evidence has shown that some musicians either continue to practice through practice-induced pain or experience psychosomatic disorders (like headaches, insomnia, nightmares etc.) and distress when practicing exceptionally long or when deprived of practicing. In these cases, the formerly healthy and expedient behavior of practicing can seem maladaptive or even self-injurious.A theory that has previously been put forward but has not yet been empirically examined is the idea of musical addictivity (Panksepp, 1995; Vitouch, 2005). Panksepp assumes an involvement of the opioid system for the emergence of when listening to and concludes from there that listening to emotionally arousing can be addictive through the release of opioids. On those grounds, Panksepp compares the phenomenon of music-induced chills (defining the main bodily response as a feeling of coldness) with that of drug addiction and its related withdrawal symptoms (like the so-called cold turkey). Although this comparison has major limitations, the general hypothesis might provide a new perspective on certain types of music-related behavior.In a popular context, the idea of being addictive is fairly widespread. Headlines such as Can be addictive? (Rosing, 1990), 10 Signs You Are Addicted to (2015), or even How to Overcome a Music Addiction (with Pictures) (2016) are not seldom: Indeed, the search term addicted to music gets ~392,000 results in the search engine Google. Scientific research on this topic is, however, still quite scarce. Two studies have addressed excessive loud-music listening as addictive behavior and related it to the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (Florentine, Hunter, Robinson, Ballou, & Buus, 1998; Lisiewski, 2008 [review]; Schmuziger, Patscheke, Stieglitz, & Probst, 2012); a third one approached the excessive, possibly addictive, use of mp3players in teenagers from a retail perspective (Cockrill, Sullivan, & Norbury, 2011). Although all of these studies favor the assumption of being addictive, evidence is not yet sufficient for the concept to find general acceptance among scientists. The two empirical studies on loud-music listening as addictive behavior (Florentine et al., 1998; Schmuziger et al., 2012) have been discarded as possible methodological approaches for the present study because they rely on an alcoholism questionnaire (Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test) whose applicability to the activity of listening is questionable. The third study (Cockrill et al., 2011) is a deprivation study using a diary design that did not promise to produce quantifiable results. Additionally, what is missing in all of these attempts is the consideration of practicing: Schmuziger et al. (2012) did include performance in their test by equating listening and nonprofessional playing of a instrument-which, however, is to be seen as a methodological limitation, as they are genuinely different in nature. The question whether professional musicians' practicing behavior can be addictive has not been addressed in any of these studies. …

Reducing Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Collegiate Music Ensembles Using Ambient Technology

Student musicians are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) as they develop skills and perform during instructional activities. Studies using longitudinal dosimeter data show that pedagogical procedures and instructor behaviors are highly predictive of NIHL risk, thus implying the need for innovative approaches to increase instructor competency in managing instructional activities without interfering with artistic and academic freedom. Ambient information systems, an emerging trend in human-computer interaction that infuses psychological behavioral theories into technologies, can help construct informative risk-regulating systems. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of introducing an ambient information system into the ensemble setting. The system used two ambient displays and a counterbalanced within-subjects treatment study design with six jazz ensemble instructors to determine if the system could induce a behavior change that alters trends in measures resulting from dosimeter data. This study assessed efficacy using time series analysis to determine changes in eight statistical measures of behavior over a 9-wk period. Analysis showed that the system was effective, as all instructors showed changes in a combination of measures. This study is in an important step in developing non-interfering technology to reduce NIHL among academic musicians.

Work-Related Noise Exposure in a Cohort of Patients with Chronic Tinnitus: Analysis of Demographic and Audiological Characteristics.

Work-related noise exposure is one of the major factors contributing to the development of adult-onset hearing loss and tinnitus. The aim of this study was to analyze, in patients with chronic tinnitus and long-term occupational noise exposure, (A) characteristics of hearing loss, tinnitus, comorbidities, demographic characteristics and a history of work-related noise exposure and (B) differences among individuals employed in occupations with high and low risk of developing work-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). One hundred thirty six patients with chronic tinnitus and at least a 10 year-long working history were divided into two groups based on the risk of their profession to induce NIHL. Individuals employed in jobs at high risk for NIHL were mostly males and exhibited a poorer hearing threshold, more evident in the left ear. Tinnitus was mostly bilateral; the next largest presentation was left-sided; patients described their tinnitus as buzzing or high-pitched. Correlation between age, length of tinnitus and worse hearing was found. Patients with a higher degree of hearing impairment were mostly males and were more likely to have a family history of hearing loss and at least one cardiovascular comorbidity. Our study shows some differences in individuals with tinnitus and a history of a profession associated with increased exposure to NIHL compared to those without such a history.

Safe Use of Acoustic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Stimuli: Protocol and Patient-Specific Considerations.

Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) are commonly used clinical assessments for patients with complaints of dizziness. However, relatively high air-conducted stimuli are required to elicit the VEMP, and ultimately may compromise safe noise exposure limits. Recently, research has reported the potential for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from VEMP stimulus exposure through studies of reduced otoacoustic emission levels after VEMP testing, as well as a recent case study showing permanent sensorineural hearing loss associated with VEMP exposure. The purpose of this report is to review the potential for hazardous noise exposure from VEMP stimuli and to suggest clinical parameters for safe VEMP testing. Literature review with presentation of clinical guidelines and a clinical tool for estimating noise exposure. The literature surrounding VEMP stimulus-induced hearing loss is reviewed, including several cases of overexposure. The article then presents a clinical calculation tool for the estimation of a patient's safe noise exposure from VEMP stimuli, considering stimulus parameters, and includes a discussion of how varying stimulus parameters affect a patient's noise exposure. Finally, recommendations are provided for recognizing and managing specific patient populations who may be at higher risk for NIHL from VEMP stimulus exposure. A sample protocol is provided that allows for safe noise exposure. VEMP stimuli have the potential to cause NIHL due to high sound exposure levels. However, with proper safety protocols in place, clinicians may reduce or eliminate this risk to their patients. Use of the tools provided, including the noise exposure calculation tool and sample protocols, may help clinicians to understand and ensure safe use of VEMP stimuli.

CDC Research on Non-Occupational NIHL

Figure: iStock/RapidEyeThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has conducted more than 40 years of research, providing guidelines to help reduce risks of noise-induced hearing loss in the workplace. In 2015, CDC received public and medical community inquiries on the topic of hearing loss related to noise in non-occupational settings. In 2016, the National Academies of Sciences report, “Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability,” included a call to action for government agencies to strengthen efforts to collect, analyze, and disseminate population-based data on hearing loss in adults. In response to the information gap about the effect of noise in homes and communities, CDC instigated research efforts and participated in activities to raise awareness that excessive exposure to loud sounds outside of the working environment can cause permanent hearing damage, which can occur any time in life. Noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable health condition that can be avoided by using relatively easy measures.Figure: Yulia Carroll, MD, PhDIn 2014, data collected through CDC's National Health Interview Survey indicated 15 percent of American adults, aged 18 and over, reported some degree of trouble with hearing—about as much as the prevalence reported for both diabetes and cancer combined (Vital Health Stat 10. 2014;260:1 http://bit.ly/2lZlMX0). Hearing test results of 3,583 people (age 20-69), which were part of CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2011 and 2012, revealed measurable hearing damage in one or both ears, suggestive of noise exposure in 24 percent of adults. Nearly 50 percent with this damage had reportedly not been exposed to loud noise at work (MMWR. 2017;66[5]:139 http://bit.ly/2lZxpNr). This suggests about 21 million American adults have hearing damage indicative of noise exposure that probably results from every day activities at home and in the community. About one in five young adults in their 20’s already exhibited this type of hearing damage, and one in four adults, apparently unaware of the damage, reported that their hearing was excellent or good.Figure: John Eichwald, MAMany people may not recognize that loud noise from common activities, such as mowing the lawn or attending sporting events, can be as loud as the noise found in the workplace and is enough to damage hearing. As such, it is important to raise public awareness that the louder the noise and the longer the exposure, the more likely hearing damage will occur. Getting out preventive messages may be helpful. These messages include: avoiding or minimizing exposure to noisy environments whenever possible, using hearing protective devices like earplugs, and keeping the volume down. Health care providers can help their patients slow the progression of hearing loss from noise exposure. CDC encourages physicians and other clinicians to ask about loud noise exposure and hearing acuity as part of routine care and to refer their patients to hearing health professionals whenever there is a concern. At routine health care visits, providers can also explain how noise exposure can permanently damage hearing and teach patients how to protect their hearing (Vital Signs, 2017 http://bit.ly/2lZtTD3). There are no federal guidelines on safe noise exposures. Because noise-induced hearing damage accumulates over time, there is a need for future research about noise exposure and prevention at younger ages. CDC is working with various organizations and continues to analyze national data to prioritize public health needs.

Variation in Music Player Listening Level as a Function of Campus Location.

There has been significant discussion in the literature regarding music player use by adolescents and young adults, including whether device use is driving an increase in hearing loss in these populations. While many studies report relatively safe preferred listening levels, some studies with college student participants have reported listening habits that may put individuals at risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) if those listening habits continue over the long term. The goal of the current investigation was to extend listening level data collection sites from urban city settings studied by others to a more rural campus setting. This was a prospective study. Participants were 138 students on the University of Florida campus (94 males, 44 females), 18 years or older (mean = 21 years; range: 18-33 years). In this investigation, the current output level (listening level) was measured from personal listening devices used by students as they passed by a recruiting table located in one of three areas of the University of Florida campus. One location was in an open-air campus square; the other two locations were outside the campus recreation building ("gym") and outside the undergraduate library, with participants recruited as they exited the gym or library buildings. After providing written informed consent, participants completed a survey that included questions about demographics and typical listening habits (hours per day, days per week). The output level on their device was then measured using a "Jolene" mannequin. Average listening levels for participants at the three locations were as follows: gym: 85.9 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 83.3 ± 2.0 dBA; library: 76.9 ± 1.3 dBA. After adjusting to free-field equivalent level, average listening levels were gym: 79.7 ± 1.4 dBA; campus square: 76.9 ± 2.1 dBA; library: 70.4 ± 1.4 dBA. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female listeners, and there were no reliable differences as a function of race. After accounting for daily and weekly use patterns, 5% were deemed at risk based on the criteria put forward by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and 9% were deemed at risk based on the guidance provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Some 5-10% of the participants were deemed at risk; this finding is consistent with other studies using similar methods. It is possible that the same listeners would have selected different listening levels in other noise backgrounds, however. This unknown variable makes it difficult to estimate risk with a single listening level measurement.

Hearing Status in Young People Using Portable Audio Players

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the hearing status in young adults using portable audio players (PAPs) in relation to their listening habits. The study included 58 subjects, aged 22.8±2.8 years, non-occupationally exposed to noise. Questionnaire inquiry aimed at collecting personal data, the information on PAPs usage habits, self-assessment of hearing status and identification of risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were performed in study subjects. Hearing tests included pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE). All subjects were PAPs users. Depending on listening habits they were divided into the subgroups of “frequent” users (>1 h/day) and “non-frequent” users (≤1 h/day). There were no significant differences between subgroups in prevalence of NIHL risk factors and self-assessment of hearing status. However, frequent users more often complained of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Majority (81.9%) of participants had normal hearing. Nevertheless, 6.9% of audiograms showed high- frequency notches typical for NIHL. Both, the PTA and TEOAE indicated worse hearing in non-frequent users compared to frequent users. No significant differences in prevalence of high-frequency notches be- tween subgroups were noted. The outcomes do not support some previous studies results that the excessive exposure to music listened through PAPs might result in accelerating of development of NIHL loss in young adults.

Investigation into the relationship between mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene, tRNA gene and cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene variations and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss

Objective: To explore the relationship between mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene variation, tRNA gene variation and cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene point mutations and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Methods: A nested case-control study was performed that followed a cohort of 7 445 noise-exposed workers in a steel factory in Henan province, China, from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. Subjects whose average hearing threshold was more than 40 dB(A) in high frequency were defined as the case group, and subjects whose average hearing threshold was less than 35 dB(A) in high frequency and less than 25 dB (A) in speech frequency were defined as the control group. Subjects was recruited into the case group (n=286) and the control group (n=286) according to gender, age, job category and time of exposure to noise, and a 1∶1 case-control study was carried out. We genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mitochondrial 12 S rRNA gene, the mitochondrial tRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase Ⅱ gene using SNPscan high-throughput genotyping technology from the recruited subjects. The relationship between polymorphic sites and NIHL, adjusted for covariates, was analyzed using conditional logistic regression analysis, as were the subgroup data. Results: The average age of the recruited subjects was (40.3±8.1) years and the length of service exposure to noise was (18.6±8.9) years. The range of noise exposed levels and cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was 80.1- 93.4 dB (A) and 86.8- 107.9 dB (A) · year, respectively. For workers exposed to noise at a CNE level<98 dB (A) · year, smokers showed an increased risk of NIHL of 1.88 (1.16-3.05) compared with non-smokers; for workers exposed to noise at a CNE level ≥98 dB(A) · year, smokers showed an increased risk of NIHL of 2.53 (1.49- 4.30) compared with non-smokers. For workers exposed to noise at a CNE level<98 dB (A) · year, the results of univariate analysis and multifactor analysis, adjusted by smoking and CNE, suggested that the risk of NIHL in workers exposed to noise carrying the GG genotype (G827A) was lower than that of NIHL workers exposed to noise carrying the AA genotype (G827A) [OR (95% CI) were 0.18 (0.04- 0.82) and 0.19 (0.04- 0.88), respectively]. Conclusion: Smoking increased the risk of NIHL in the present study. For workers subjected to a CNE<98 dB(A)·year, the mitochondrial genetic variant G827A was found to be significantly associated with the risk of NIHL.

Association between variations in protocadherin 15 gene and occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variability in the protocadherin 15 (PCDH15) gene may correspond with increased susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a Chinese population. Methods: A nested case-control study was performed that followed a cohort of 7 445 noise-exposed workers in a steel factory of Henan province in China from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. In this study, 394 cases who had an average hearing threshold of more than 40 dB (A) in high frequency were defined as the case group, and 721 controls who had an average hearing threshold of less than 35 dB (A) in high frequency and less than 25 dB (A) in speech frequency were defined as the control group. A questionnaire was completed by participants and a physical test was also conducted. SNP genotyping was performed using the SNPscanTM Kit. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression additive models were used to analyze the genotypes in different groups, and the association with NIHL. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the genotypes and NIHL. Results: The average age of study participants was (40.5±8.3) years and the median number of noise-exposed working years M (P25, P75) was 21.1 (9.1, 27.3). The range of noise exposed levels and the levels of cumulative noise exposure (CNE) were 80.1- 98.8 dB(A) and 86.6- 111.2 dB(A), respectively. Only the distribution of the genotypes (TT/CC/CT) of rs11004085 in the PCDH15 gene showed a significant difference between the case and control groups (P=0.049). In the case group, the distribution was 370 (93.9%), 24 (6.1%) and 0; in the control group, the distribution was 694 (96.3%), 23 (3.2%) and 1 (0.1% ). After smoking, drinking, hypertension, height and CNE adjustment, compared with the TT genotype individuals with the CC/CT genotype had a 1.90-fold increased risk of NIHL (95% CI: 1.06- 3.40). After stratified these data by the noise exposure level or CNE when the noise exposure level was>85 dB (A), compared with cases with the AA genotype of rs10825113, individuals with the GA/GG genotype had a 2.63-fold increased risk of NIHL (95% CI: 1.12- 6.14). When the CNE was ≤ 98 dB(A), compared with cases with the TT genotype of rs11004085, individuals with the CC/CT genotype had a 2.96-fold increased risk of NIHL (95% CI: 1.33- 6.56). However, these differences were not significant after Bonferroni correction had been applied. Conclusions: The results confirmed that genetic variation within the PCDH15 gene may affect the susceptibility to NIHL.

Association between plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase gene polymorphisms and noise-induced hearing loss in a Chinese population

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has become a world-wide high occupational health risk. The current research is aimed at investigating the association of plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase isoform 2 ( PMCA2 ) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to NIHL in a Chinese population. Methods: A total of 2,344 workers exposed to occupational noise were examined with hearing tests. According to the results of audiometry, we selected 613 cases with high frequency hearing threshold worse than 25 dB and 615 controls with high frequency hearing threshold better than or equal to 25 dB and the controls were frequency matched with cases in terms of age, gender and noise exposure level and exposure time. The individual genotypes for PMCA2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined using a TaqMan MGB probe assay performed on an ABI PRISM ® 7900 HT Fast Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems). Information about these subjects was collected by questionnaires which were conducted through face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. Results: We found that individuals with the rs3209637 CC genotype had a statistically significantly increased risk of NIHL compared with those who carried the rs3209637 TT genotype (adjusted OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.07–1.48) and this increased risk was more pronounced among the workers in the 15- to 25-year noise exposure time, >92 dB(A) noise exposure level. Similar effects were also observed in a recessive model. Conclusions: Our data suggested that the PMCA2 polymorphisms may be a genetic susceptibility marker for NIHL in the Chinese Han population.

Association between eye absent homolog 4 gene polymorphisms and occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Objective: To identify the association between genetic polymorphisms in the eye absent homolog 4 (EYA4) gene and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Method: A nested case control study was conducted based on a cohort of noise-exposed subjects. In total, 292 cases were selected from a steel factory from 6 297 subjects during Jan 1, 2006 to Dec 12, 2015,who had an average hearing threshold of more than 40 dB(A); 584 matched control subjects for each case were designated on the basis of matched criteria including same gender, age (±5 years) and duration of exposure to noise (±2 years). What's more, the control group had an average hearing threshold of less than 35 dB(A) in high frequency and less than 25 dB(A) in speech frequency. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the EYA4 gene were genotyped using a SNPscanTM multiplex SNP genotyping kit. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium tests were performed using a χ2 test for goodness-of-fit for each SNP among the control group, and the effects of genotypes of the EYA4 gene on NIHL were analyzed by logistic regression. The haplotypes were established and their frequencies in the two groups were assessed using Haploview 4.2 and Phase 2.1 software, and interactive effects between haplotypes and cumulative noise exposure were analyzed. Results: The average age of the subjects was (40.1±8.4) years and the average number of noise-exposed working years was 20.3 (8.4, 27.3) years. The range of noise exposure levels and the cumulative noise exposure were 80.2- 98.8 dB (A) and 86.6- 111.2 dB(A) · year, respectively. After adjustment for covariates including height, blood pressure, drinking status and smoking status, in the noise intensity>85 dB (A) group, subjects carrying the rs3813346 TT genotype had a higher NIHL risk than those carrying the GG genotype, and the adjusted OR (95% CI) value was 2.12 (1.21- 3.69). In the cumulative noise exposure>98 dB (A) · year group, compared with haplotype TGC, haplotype CGT showed a protective effect in the development of NIHL, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) value of 0.60 (0.37-0.97), however, the significance of intercation between EY4 gene of noise was lost after Bonferroni correction. Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism in the EYA4 gene may be a genetic susceptibility factor for NIHL.

Noise Exposure Questionnaire: A Tool for Quantifying Annual Noise Exposure.

Exposure to both occupational and nonoccupational noise is recognized as a risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although audiologists routinely inquire regarding history of noise exposure, there are limited tools available for quantifying this history or for identifying those individuals who are at highest risk for NIHL. Identifying those at highest risk would allow hearing conservation activities to be focused on those individuals. To develop a detailed, task-based questionnaire for quantifying an individual's annual noise exposure (ANE) arising from both occupational and nonoccupational sources (aim 1) and to develop a short screening tool that could be used to identify individuals at high risk of NIHL (aim 2). Review of relevant literature for questionnaire development followed by a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational investigation of the newly developed questionnaire and screening tool. One hundred fourteen college freshmen completed the detailed questionnaire for estimating ANE (aim 1) and answered the potential screening questions (aim 2). An additional 59 adults participated in data collection where the accuracy of the screening tool was evaluated (aim 2). In study aim 1, all participants completed the detailed questionnaire and the potential screening questions. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify participant participation in various noisy activities and their associated ANE estimates. In study aim 2, linear regression techniques were used to identify screening questions that could be used to predict a participant's estimated ANE. Clinical decision theory was then used to assess the accuracy with which the screening tool predicted high and low risk of NIHL in a new group of participants. Responses on the detailed questionnaire indicated that our sample of college freshmen reported high rates of participation in a variety of occupational and nonoccupational activities associated with high sound levels. Although participation rates were high, ANE estimates were below highest-risk levels for many participants because the frequency of participation in these activities was low in many cases. These data illustrate how the Noise Exposure Questionnaire (NEQ) could be used to provide detailed and specific information regarding an individual's exposure to noise. The results of aim 2 suggest that the screening tool, the 1-Minute Noise Screen, can be used to identify those participants with high- and low-risk noise exposure, allowing more in-depth assessment of noise exposure history to be targeted at those most at risk. The NEQ can be used to estimate an individual's ANE and the 1-Minute Noise Screen can be used to identify those participants at highest risk of NIHL. These tools allow audiologists to focus hearing conservation efforts on those individuals who are most in need of those services.

A faceoff with hazardous noise: Noise exposure and hearing threshold shifts of indoor hockey officials

ABSTRACTNoise exposure and hearing thresholds of indoor hockey officials of the Western States Hockey League were measured to assess the impact of hockey game noise on hearing sensitivity. Twenty-nine hockey officials who officiated the league in an arena in southeastern Wyoming in October, November, and December 2014 participated in the study. Personal noise dosimetry was conducted to determine if officials were exposed to an equivalent sound pressure level greater than 85 dBA. Hearing thresholds were measured before and after hockey games to determine if a 10 dB or greater temporary threshold shift in hearing occurred. Pure-tone audiometry was conducted in both ears at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz. All noise exposures were greater than 85 dBA, with a mean personal noise exposure level of 93 dBA (SD = 2.2), providing 17.7% (SD = 6.3) of the officials' daily noise dose according to the OSHA criteria. Hearing threshold shifts of 10 dB or greater were observed in 86.2% (25/29) of officials, with 36% (9/25) of those threshold shifts equaling 15 dB or greater. The largest proportion of hearing threshold shifts occurred at 4000 Hz, comprising 35.7% of right ear shifts and 31.8% of left ear shifts. The threshold shifts between the pre- and post-game audiometry were statistically significant in the left ear at 500 (p=.019), 2000 (p=.0009), 3000 (p<.0001) and 4000 Hz (p=.0002), and in the right ear at 2000 (p=.0001), 3000 (p=.0001) and 4000 Hz (p<.0001), based on Wilcoxon-ranked sum analysis. Although not statistically significant at alpha = 0.05, logistic regression indicated that with each increase of one dB of equivalent sound pressure measured from personal noise dosimetry, the odds of a ≥ 10 dB TTS were increased in the left ear at 500 (OR=1.33, 95% CI 0.73-2.45), 3000 (OR=1.02, 95% CI 0.68-1.51), 4000 (OR=1.26, 95% CI 0.93-1.71) and 8000 Hz (OR=1.22, 95% CI 0.76-1.94) and in the right ear at 6000 (OR=1.03, 95% CI 0.14-7.84) and 8000 Hz (OR=1.29, 95% CI 0.12-13.83). These findings suggest that indoor hockey officials are exposed to hazardous levels of noise, experience temporary hearing loss after officiating games, and a hearing conservation program is warranted. Further temporary threshold shift research has the potential to identify officials of other sporting events that are at an increased risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

Association between CDH23 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss in the Chinese population: a meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the association between cadherin-23 (CDH23) gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the Chinese population through a meta-analysis. Methods: In June 2016, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and PubMed were searched for studies on the association between CDH23 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to NIHL in the Chinese population. The articles were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and related data were extracted. RevMan 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of three Chinese articles were included. For CDH23-rs1227049, the risk of NIHL in people with C allele was 0.82 times (95%CI 0.39-1.73) that in people with G allele, the risk of NIHL in people with CG+CC genotype in the dominant model was 0.70 times (95%CI 0.34-1.43) that in people with GG genotype, the risk of NIHL in people with CC genotype in the recessive model was 1.23 times (95%CI 0.28-5.43) that in people with CG+GG genotype, and the risk of NIHL in people with CC genotype in the additive model was 1.05 times (95%CI 0.20-5.44) that in people with GG genotype (all P>0.05) . For CDH23-rs1227051, the risk of NIHL in people with T allele was 0.98 times (95%CI 0.71-1.37) that in people with C allele, and the risk of NIHL in people with CT+CC genotype in the dominant model was 1.09 times (95%CI 0.75-1.57) that in patients with TT genotype (both P>0.05) . Conclusion: There is still no enough evidence for the determination of CDH23-rs1227049 and CDH23-rs1227051 to be the susceptibility gene loci of NIHL.

Association between serum magnesium ion level and risk of noise-induced hearing loss

Objective: To investigate the association between serum magnesium ion level and risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) . Methods: Acohort study was performed for 7 445 workers exposed to noise in the steelmaking and steel rolling workshops of an iron and steel enterprise in Henan Province, China. The follow-up time was from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. The workers with a binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold of ≥40 dB (HL) were enrolled as case group, and those with a binaural average high-frequency hearing threshold of <35 dB (HL) and a binaural average speech frequency of ≤25 dB (HL) were enrolled as control group. After being matched for age, working years of noise exposure, sex, and type of work at a ratio of 1∶1, 187 workers each were enrolled in the case group and the control group. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure the serum magnesium ionlevel. Aconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association of serum magnesium ion level, body mass index, cumulative noise exposure (CNE) , smoking, drinking, hypertension, and physical exercise with NIHL, as well as the association between serum magnesium ion level and risk of NIHL after the adjustment for covariants. Results: There was no significant difference in the serum magnesium ion level between the case group and the control group (24.63±7.92 mg/m(3) vs 24.91±7.33 mg/m(3), P>0.05) . Smoking (OR=1.687, 95%CI 1.090-2.613) was a risk factor for NIHL, and physical exercise (OR=0.509, 95%CI 0.325-0.796) reduced the risk of NIHL. In the workers with CNE>98 dB (A) ·year, the risk of NIHL in the workers with higher CNE was 1.305 times (95%CI 1.051-1.620) that in those with lower CNE. After the adjustment for CNE, smoking, and physical exercise, there was no significant difference in the influence of serum magnesium ion level on the risk of NIHL between the two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Serum magnesium ion level may not be associated with NIHL. Increased CNE and smoking may increase the risk of NIHL and physical exercise may reduce the risk of NIHL.

Genetic variation in EYA4 on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese steelworks firm sample

ObjectivesNoise-induced hearing loss is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. It is caused by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. The purpose of this study was to examine...

Noise-induced hearing loss in a longitudinal study of Norwegian railway workers

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse longitudinal data to assess the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in Norwegian railway workers.DesignLongitudinal.SettingA major Norwegian railway company.MethodsWe examined data from...

Do hearing threshold levels in workers of the furniture industry reflect their exposure to noise?

The aim of the study was to analyze the hearing status of employees of a furniture factory with respect to their exposure to noise and the presence of additional risk factors of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise measurements, questionnaire survey and assessment of hearing, using pure tone audiometry, were carried out in 50 male workers, aged 20-57 years, directly employed in the manufacture of furniture. The actual workers' hearing threshold levels (HTLs) were compared with the predictions calculated according to PN-ISO 1999:2000 based on age, gender and noise exposure. Workers under study were exposed to noise at daily noise exposure levels of 82.7-94.8 dB (mean: 90.9 dB) for a period of 3-14 years. In all subjects, mean HTL at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz did not exceed 25 dB. Nevertheless, high frequency notches were found in 11% of audiograms. The actual workers' HTLs at 3000-6000 Hz were similar to those predicted using PN-ISO 1999:2000. There were statistical significant differences between HTLs in subgroups of people with higher (> 78 mm Hg) and lower (≤ 78 mm Hg) diastolic blood pressure, smokers and non-smokers, and those working with organic solvents. Hearing loss was more evident in subjects affected by the additional risk factors specified above. The results confirm the need to consider, in addition to noise, also some other NIHL risk factors, such as tobacco smoking, elevated blood pressure, and co-exposure to organic solvents when estimating the risk of NIHL and developing the hearing conservation programs for workers. Med Pr 2016;67(3):337-351.

Association between plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase gene polymorphisms and noise-induced hearing loss in a Chinese population

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has become a world-wide high occupational health risk. The current research is aimed at investigating the association of plasma membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase isoform 2 ( PMCA2 ) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to NIHL in a Chinese population. Methods: A total of 2,344 workers exposed to occupational noise were examined with hearing tests. According to the results of audiometry, we selected 613 cases with high frequency hearing threshold worse than 25 dB and 615 controls with high frequency hearing threshold better than or equal to 25 dB and the controls were frequency matched with cases in terms of age, gender and noise exposure level and exposure time. The individual genotypes for PMCA2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined using a TaqMan MGB probe assay performed on an ABI PRISM ® 7900 HT Fast Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems). Information about these subjects was collected by questionnaires which were conducted through face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. Results: We found that individuals with the rs3209637 CC genotype had a statistically significantly increased risk of NIHL compared with those who carried the rs3209637 TT genotype (adjusted OR =1.26, 95% CI =1.07–1.48) and this increased risk was more pronounced among the workers in the 15- to 25-year noise exposure time, >92 dB(A) noise exposure level. Similar effects were also observed in a recessive model. Conclusions: Our data suggested that the PMCA2 polymorphisms may be a genetic susceptibility marker for NIHL in the Chinese Han population.