Self-reported Hearing Problems Research Articles

Hearing problems among a cohort of nationally certified EMS professionals

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hearing problems among a national cohort of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals, determine factors associated with hearing problems, and estimate the percentage of EMS professionals who utilize hearing protection. Utilizing results from a questionnaire, individuals who reported hearing problems were compared to individuals who had not. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with hearing problems. Finally, items regarding use of hearing protection were assessed to estimate the percentage of usage among EMS professionals. In total, 1,058 (57%) participants responded to the questionnaire. Of those, 1,024 (97%) who completed the hearing problems question were utilized for analysis. There were 153 (14.9%) cases of self-reported hearing problems. The final logistic regression model included lifetime occupational noise exposure 0.99 (95% CI = 0.9997-1.0002), report of previous back problems (odds ratio (OR) = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.8340-4.1042), large community size (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.1211-2.4843), and minority status (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.3719-0.9867). Finally, 213 (20.8%) individuals reported utilizing some form of hearing protection at their main EMS job. The results from this analysis are the first national estimates of the prevalence of self reported hearing problems among EMS professionals. This study was also the first to estimate the percentage of EMS professionals who self reported the utilization of hearing protection.

Psychosocial and physiological correlates of self-reported hearing problems in male and female musicians in symphony orchestras

Experimental and epidemiological research indicate an association between long-term stress and hearing problems, yet the mechanisms underlying these disorders are not yet fully established. Thus, in order to better understand the pathogenesis of stress-related hearing problems, the present study explored the symptoms and general physiological and psychosocial status of musicians in symphony orchestras. Orchestral musicians are an ideal group to study since physical, psychosocial, work-environmental and acoustic stressors are highly prevalent. The subjects where obtained from two different studies. The first group included 250 participants from 12 orchestras and is entitled “the epidemiological study”. The second group, entitled “the longitudinal study”, included 47 musicians who were assessed at five occasions (every half year) during two years. Thirty-one of the 47 participants were selected for sampling of physiological variables, i.e. 24-hour ECG to assess heart rate variability to evaluate the synergistic action of the autonomic system as well as saliva cortisol and testosterone levels. The results indicate that self-reported hearing problems are associated with perceived poorer psychosocial environment, as well as mental health symptoms and stress. High-frequency power of heart rate variability (parasympathetic activity) showed a negative relationship to hearing problems, implying a poorer ability to “unwind” from stress. Cortisol levels were not correlated to hearing problems whereas testosterone levels showed a tendency to be lower in subjects with hearing problems than in others. These findings provide evidence for a relationship between long-term stress and self-reported hearing problems and demonstrate a protective role of parasympathetic and anabolic activity on hearing status.

Mild hearing impairment and psychotic experiences in a normal aging population

Background:Hearing impairment (HI) in the elderly may be a risk factor for psychosis, but associations between HI and psychotic disorder or psychotic experiences have been reported more consistently in younger than in older populations. The aims of this study were to replicate the positive association between hearing impairment and psychotic experiences and to clarify any differences between groups of young and old individuals in a non-clinical, normal aging general population sample. Methods:HI, assessed at baseline and at 3-year follow-up, and psychotic experiences, assessed at 3-year follow-up, were analysed in a group of 848 individuals aged 33 to 89 years between 1999 and 2004. HI was determined on the basis of both self-report and audiometric examination. The “psychoticism” and “paranoid ideation” subscales from the SCL-90-R were used to assess level of psychotic experiences. Results:Self-reported hearing problems expressed as conversational HI (β=0.080, 95% CI: 0.23, 7.90, p=0.038) and subjective HI (β=0.087, 95%CI: 0.70, 10.30, p=0.025), but not audiometric objective HI, were associated with psychotic experiences. In those with hearing aids, associations with psychotic experiences were only present if accompanied by self-reported hearing problems that persisted in spite of the hearing aid. In addition, HI increased the risk for psychotic experiences specifically in younger rather than older individuals. Conclusions:Self-reported hearing problems rather than audiometric or remediated hearing loss may contribute to the development of psychotic experiences in younger rather than in older individuals.

Effect of tractor driving on hearing loss in farmers in India

Indian tractor drivers operate their tractors and other implements/equipment in an environment which can have extreme temperatures and high level of suspended particulate matter. In addition, Indian tractors do not have adequate vibration and noise attenuating designs features. This cross-sectional study compares the hearing status of tractor driving farmers (TDFs) (study group) and non-tractor driving farmers (NTDFs) (control group) matched for age, sex, generic/ethnic group, land holding, education levels, and work routines. Two groups of 50 experienced tractor-driving farmers and 50 non-driving farmers were selected from 2 villages, 50 km from Delhi. All participants were interviewed for details of work routine and noise exposures. An audiogram was performed and noise measurements taken on tractors and other machines. Self-reported hearing problems were similar (4 cases each) in both the groups of 50 farmers. However, audiogram analysis showed higher prevalence of abnormalities in TDFs. TDFs (24) had more often high frequency hearing loss when compared to NTDFs (14). The noise levels observed on tractors in different operations were in the range of 90-110 dB (A). Tractor noise levels exceeded the recommended safe limits of OSHA and NIOSH prescribed standards. TDFs had higher high frequency hearing loss than NTDFs. The mechanism of damage and prevention needs to be studied further.

Combined hearing and visual impairment and depression in a population aged 75 years and older.

Depression is associated with both visual and hearing impairment. Little is known about the relationship between combined hearing and visual impairment and mood in this age group. The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the association between functional sensory impairment, especially combined sensory impairment and depressive symptoms and depression diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. The study group consisted of 470 adults, population-based sample, aged 75 years or older. We used the Snellen eye charts with E-letters and reading charts to evaluate the functional visual acuity. The ability to conduct a face-to-face conversation, the hearing aid use and the self-reported hearing problems were used to assess the functional hearing acuity. Depression was identified with two different methods. A geriatrician interviewed the subjects and the DSM-IV checklist was used to determine whether they met the criteria for major depression. The Zung Depression Status Inventory (DSI) was used to identify depressive symptoms. The cut off points of 40/80 and 48/80 in the DSI-score was used. Seventy-two persons (15%) of the study population had depression diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Twelve per cent of subjects in the Functional Hearing Impairment (FHI) group, twenty per cent in the Functional Visual Impairment (FVI) group, eighteen per cent in the Combined Sensory Impairment (CSI) group and fifteen per cent in the Adequate Sensory Function (ASF) group suffered major depression. The differences between these groups were insignificant. The occurrence rates of the DSI score equal or over 40 points was 50% in the FHI group, 53% in the FVI group, 70% in the CSI group and 45% in the ASF group. The difference between the ASF group and sensory impairment group including FHI, FVI and CSI groups was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Depressive symptoms, but not major depression, were common if elderly persons had combined sensory impairment.

Anxiety in Elderly Hearing Impaired Persons

The association between experiences of hearing impairment and signs of anxiety in 42 elderly hearing impaired patients at a hearing aid centre was investigated. Subjects completed the Hearing Coping Assessment, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and an audiometric test of hearing. Analysis showed low scores on anxiety and hearing problems compared with other studies. Moreover, scores on anxiety did not correlate with pure tone thresholds for hearing but with self-reported hearing problems (r = .31). Anxiety is important, but it is possible that signs of depression are more strongly related to self-perceived hearing handicap.

ANXIETY IN ELDERLY HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS

The association between experiences of hearing impairment and signs of anxiety in 42 elderly hearing impaired patients at a hearing aid centre was investigated. Subjects completed the Hearing Coping Assessment, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and an audiometric test of hearing. Analysis showed low scores on anxiety and hearing problems compared with other studies. Moreover, scores on anxiety did not correlate with pure tone thresholds for hearing but with self-reported hearing problems (r = .31). Anxiety is important, but it is possible that signs of depression are more strongly related to self-perceived hearing handicap.

Self-reported hearing problems in daily life throughout adulthood.

Self-reported hearing problems in daily life throughout adulthood.

Characteristics of Self-Reported Hearing Problems in a Community Survey

The Cardiff Health Survey included a question asking whether the respondents had any difficulties with their hearing and, if so, to specify the biggest difficulty. This self-completed questionnaire was administered to 4,266 individuals randomly sampled from the electoral register of Cardiff in 1986. 14.7% of those responding indicated a hearing disability; and the main specific disabilities listed are described. The commonest complaints were of difficulties hearing the television and radio, and with general conversation. A number of other specific complaints were reported similar to those found in previous studies with the 'Problems Questionnaire'. Age, social class, general health, smoking and the individual's attitudes were found to influence the pattern of response.