Whisper Test Research Articles

Prevalence of functional disability and associated factors among elderly residing in a rural area of Puducherry

BackgroundElderly people are one of the most vulnerable populations, with a higher risk of having chronic illnesses, infections, and eventual disability. Along with morbidity and death rates, the amount of disability is an essential metric in quantifying disease burden. This study estimates the prevalence of functional disability and associated socio-demographic characteristics and morbidities in a rural area of Puducherry. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 360 people aged 60 and above who are living in the study area. People who had difficulty in activities of daily living (ADL), blindness, bilateral hearing impairment, cognitive impairment, or a combination of these were regarded to have functional disability. Barthel index, Snellen's chart, Whisper test and Elderly cognitive assessment questionnaire were used to assess the disabilities. Simple descriptive analysis and the Chi-square test were incorporated in statistical analysis. In order to understand the factors associated with functional disability, multiple logistic regression is performed. ResultsThe prevalence of functional disability was found to be 30 % (95 % Confidence Interval: 25.5–34.9) among the 360 study participants. 13.8 % had ADL disability, 8 % had visual impairment, 11.6 % had hearing impairment and 9.7 % had cognitive impairment. Men had a lower prevalence (28.3 %) than women (31.2 %).The prevalence increased with age, low socio-economic status and found more common among persons who were widowed or widower. Disability increased with increasing morbidities. DiscussionFunctional disability among elderly in rural area is very common. It is associated with morbidities and sociodemographic factors. To guarantee healthy ageing functional disabilities must be recognized early using appropriate methods.

Prevalence of geriatric syndromes among older outpatients with dementia

AbstractBackgroundThe occurrence of geriatric syndromes in people with dementia may result in worsening of independence and autonomy.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted on outpatients with dementia aged ≥ 60 years old. Dementia was diagnosed by neuropsychiatrists following DSM‐5 criteria.. The geriatric syndromes includes nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale‐Short Form), polypharmacy, comorbidities, alcohol use, symptom of depression (Quality of Life in Alzheimer Disease), physical functional (Barthel Index, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), lower body strength (30 seconds stand chair test), high risk of fall (Time Up and Go test ≥ 13.5 seconds), hearing loss (Whisper test), low visual acuity (Snellen test) and poor quality sleep (The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index).ResultA total of 87 participants was recruited in the study (mean age: 76.8±1.2 years; female: 65.5%). The median number of geriatrics syndrome per participant was 5 (IQR = 2). The most common geriatric syndromes were loss of independence (96.6% impariment in ≥1 IADL task score), reduced lower body strength (86.2%), risk of malnutrition (78.2%), low speed (74.7%) and risk of falls (67.8%). The prevalence of alcohol use, risk of malnutrition, loss of independence and reduced lower body strength were consistently increase linearly with the severity of dementia.ConclusionThe presence and co‐incidence of geriatric syndromes is common among outpatients with dementia. This finding could have important clinical implications in the clinical work‐up and service delivery in Vietnam. We have begun to think about how we can develop our primary to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches to screening, recognition, and treatment of people with dementia

Screening for hearing loss using the electronic whisper test: A prospective cross-sectional study.

Hearing screening is a method for early identification of hearing loss. Hearing screening is widely used in hospitals as part of physical examination. However, some of them are difficult to operate outside the hospitals regarding portability and user-friendliness. Therefore, we developed a simple yet easy-to-use portable electronic whisper test (EWT) for field deployment, particularly on many subjects. The EWT validity is a hearing screening method compared to pure-tone audiometry. This study was a cross-sectional comparative with a prospective approach. The subjects were outpatients at the Audiology Clinic of Dr. Soetomo Academic Medical Center, Surabaya, Indonesia, who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analysis made sensitivity and specificity tables using a 2 × 2 table, positive and negative predictive values. Samples of 50 participants (100 ears) obtained a sensitivity value of 83%, specificity of 78%, positive predictive value of 45%, and negative predictive value of 95%. The EWT is valid for use as a hearing screening method.

Validity of the Electronic Whisper Sound Test as a Screening Method in School-aged Children

Introduction: The whisper test is one of the several simple methods to detect hearing loss in children and adults. The electronic whisper sound test is a new tool for detecting hearing loss early, and research has yet to be conducted in Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the validity of the electronic whisper sound test as a screening method in school-aged children at the Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. Methods: This type of study used a retrospective research design by conducting an electronic whisper test as a hearing screening in school-aged children between the age group of 6 and 18 years who visited the Audiology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital for 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022. Results: Based on the patient visit data, 32 patients were randomly selected from the population who met the inclusion criteria. The critical electronic whisper sound test results were compared with the pure-tone audiometry as a gold standard hearing screening, with a sensitivity value of 92%, specificity of 78.8%, positive predictive value of 53.3%, and negative predictive value of 88.3%. Conclusion: Hearing screening is critical, especially for school-aged children, because it determines language and speech development. A simple procedure can be done through a whisper test, which in its development can be an electronic whisper test. Besides being easy and efficient, this tool does not require special skills.

Sensitivity and specificity of hearing tests for screening hearing loss in older adults

ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the most appropriate hearing screening test to identify disabling hearing loss for adults aged 65 years or older. MethodsThis study included 577 older adults. Four hearing screening tests were considered in the study, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening (HHIE-s), three single question tests, the whisper test, and the finger rub test. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests referenced to the hearing threshold of disabling hearing loss were estimated. ResultsAmong all tests, only the single self-perception question (0.7064 for sensitivity; 0.7225 for specificity) and whisper test (0.7833 for sensitivity; 0.7708 for specificity) could obtain both sensitivity and specificity higher than 70% for adults aged ≥65 years. ConclusionOverall, we suggest using the whisper test to identify disabling hearing loss (>40 dB HL at the better ear) for adults aged 65 years or older. However, if the conditions do not permit, the single self-perception question is also acceptable. Moreover, HHIE-s might not be a good test to detect disabling hearing loss for adults aged 80 years or older.

Whisper Test – MasS Hearing Screening Programme

Aims and Objectives: To screen the school going mass for hearing loss and study its relationship with their academic performance and aptitude and compare it with pure tone audiometry and validate whisper test. Material and Methods: Procedure- Examiner stands arm distance (60cm) behind the patient. Mask the non-test ear by occluding the external auditory canal by continuously generating rubbing sound. The patient is explained to repeat the words. Test always started with consonants followed by vowels. If more than 80% were correct it was treated as passed. Results: In our study out of 86 students, 8 children failed in whisper test, but all passed in conversation test. In the present study performance was poor in failed students. The incidence of day dream, learning difficulty, inattentiveness was high with hearing impaired children. Conclusion: The whisper test is a simple effective diagnostic and mass hearing screening test which can predict an early hearing loss and if performed by a trained paramedical or social worker can differentiate in conductive, sensorineural, cochlear, and retrocochlear lesion. Since the whisper test does not require a qualified audiologist or otolaryngologist, it should be be a part of annual health check-up and national programme of prevention and control of deafness specifically hearing care in the elderly.

Functional health index of intrinsic capacity: multi-domain operationalisation and validation in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS2).

ad hoc approaches are used to create composite indexes of intrinsic capacity (IC) based on five domains recommended by the World Health Organization for healthy ageing. We examined how combinations of domain-specific measures determine measurement performances of composite IC indexes. in this population-based prospective cohort study, community-dwelling older persons (N = 2,906) aged 55 years and above were recruited. We used 12 domain-specific measures: cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE), psychological (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS), locomotion (Timed Up-and Go [TUG], GV, Knee Extension Strength, Performance Orientated Mobility Assessment), sensory (logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution [LogMAR] vision and Whisper Test hearing) and vitality (forced expiratory volume in 1second pulmonary function, Elderly Nutritional Indicators for Geriatric Malnutrition Assessment [ENIGMA], Nutritional Screening Initiative) to derive 144 composite 2- to 5-domain functional health indexes (FHI), and evaluated their abilities to predict 9-year mortality and their associations with health determinants. with 5-domain FHI, TUG, logMAR and MMSE showed the largest factor loadings (0.65-0.75). All single-domain FHI were significantly associated with mortality risks. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of mortality prediction increased with the number of domains (from mean 0.615 for single-domain FHI to mean 0.705 for 5-domain FHI), but the difference between 3-domain versus 4-domain FHI (P = 0.082) or versus 5-domain FHI (P = 0.109) was not statistically significant. Highest AUCs (P < 0.001) of best performing FHI were single-domain TUG: 0.735; 2-domain TUG + ENIGMA: 0.743; 3-domain TUG + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.762; 4-domain TUG + MMSE + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.757; 5-domain TUG + MMSE + GDS + LogMAR + ENIGMA: 0.751. FHI showed excellent construct validity based on correlations with known health determinants. among Singaporean older adults, cognition, sensory and locomotion are predominant IC domains. A multi-domain IC index performs better with more domain measures, but a minimalist 3-domain index performs just as robustly as a 4- or 5-domain index.

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in Older Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Hanoi, Vietnam

Introduction: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of older diabetic patients is thought to be of value, but there have been limited studies on the prevalence of impairments in the components of a CGA as well as the relationship between CGA and diabetic control in this group. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of components of CGA in older patients with diabetes in National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, and determine the association among domains of CGA with measures of diabetic control. Methods: A cross-sectional study of diabetic outpatients aged ≥60 years at National Geriatric Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam, recruited over 3 months. The CGA questionnaire includes different assessments consisting of cognitive impairment (using Mini-Cog test), depression (using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale), urinary incontinence (using the 3-Incontinence questions), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) dependence, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) dependence, high fall risk (using Hendrich II Fall Risk Model), hearing loss (using Whisper test), low visual acuity (using Snellen test), polypharmacy, malnutrition (using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form), and multiple geriatric conditions (patients had 2 or more geriatric conditions). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between demographic factors and CGA components with measures of diabetes control. Results: A total of 412 patients were recruited (56.6% female, mean age 71.9 [7.6] years). Prevalence of impairment in components of the CGA was high and highest for vision impairment (94.2%) and multiple geriatric conditions (89.3%). Age <75 years, cognitive impairment, depressive symptom, IADL impairment, and high fall risk were significantly associated with both poor fasting plasma glucose control (>130 mg/dL) and poor HbA1c control (≥7%). Conclusions: This study highlights that geriatric syndromes are common in older diabetic patients and associated with poorer diabetic control. It suggests CGA may be important to conduct in this group by establishing an interdisciplinary Geriatric health care team.

Hearing Screening for Residents in Long-Term Care Homes Who Live with Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Background:Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults, particularly among those living with dementia and residing in long-term care homes (LTCHs). Sensory declines can have deleterious effects on functioning and contribute to frailty, but the hearing needs of residents are often unrecognized or unaddressed.Objective:To identify valid and reliable screening measures that are effective for the identification of hearing loss and are suitable for use by nursing staff providing care to residents with dementia in LTCHs.Methods:Electronic databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and CINAHL) were searched using comprehensive search strategies, and a stepwise approach based on Arksey & O’Malley’s scoping review and appraisal process was followed.Results:There were 193 scientific papers included in the review. Pure-tone audiometry was the most frequently reported measure to test hearing in older adults living with dementia. However, measures including self- or other-reports and questionnaires, review of medical records, otoscopy, and the whisper test were found to be most suitable for use by nurses working with older adults living with dementia in LTCHs.Conclusion:Although frequently used, the suitability of pure-tone audiometry for use by nursing staff in LTCHs is limited, as standardized audiometry presents challenges for many residents, and specific training is needed to successfully adapt test administration procedures and interpret results. The whisper test was considered to be more suitable for use by staff in LTCH; however, it yields a limited characterization of hearing loss. There remains an urgent need to develop new approaches to screen hearing in LTCHs.

AN UNUSUAL CASE OF STEROID-RESISTANT IGG4-RD AFFECTING THE MAXILLARY ALVEOLAR PROCESS

<h3>Introduction</h3> Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune fibroinflammatory condition that is becoming increasingly recognized in the head and neck. I present a rare case of IgG4-RD originating in the alveolar process of the maxilla with orbital and maxillary sinus involvement that was unresponsive to traditional management. <h3>Case Presentation</h3> A 37-year-old Somalian woman presented with a 4-month history of progressive swelling of her right cheek and trismus. She had paresthesia and neuropathic pain affecting the V2 and V3 regions of the right trigeminal nerve. Testing of cranial nerve V revealed that she had decreased light-touch sensation over the site of swelling. Her hearing was reduced on the right side based on a whisper test. <h3>Investigations</h3> Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography confirmed a mass centered on the right maxillary alveolus extending into the right buccal and masticator space, maxillary sinus, and orbit with involvement of the right infraorbital and greater palatine nerves. Histopathologic analysis revealed a storiform pattern of stromal fibrosis with a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and obliterative vasculitis. There was an increased number of IgG4⁺ plasma cells on immunostaining. <h3>Treatment</h3> She was started on corticosteroid but showed no response. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and rituximab provided improvement clinically and symptomatically. <h3>Discussion</h3> Clinically, IgG4-RD presents as a tumefactive, tissue-destructive lesion and often mimics malignant tumors, which can complicate diagnosis. IgG4-RD can be managed medically, and it is important to differentiate this disease from other pathologies in order to avoid invasive surgical management.

Validity of modified whisper test as hearing screening method in presbycusis patients

Background: Presbycusis is a hearing loss due to the degeneration process which is found at the age of more than 65 years old, with decreased hearing sensitivity in both ears, asymmetrical bilateral sensorineural detection type. Objective: To identify the validity of modified whisper test by detecting the hearing level in presbycusis patients. Methods: The design of this study was comparative, cross-sectional, prospective study. Subjects were elderly undergoing hearing monitoring at URJ Geriatric and URJ Audiology Dr. Soetomo Hospital, in August–September 2018 and examined using whisper test and audiometry. The statistical analysis used 2 × 2 tables, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results: The lowest sensitivity at frequencies > 41–55 dB was at 100%, the lowest specificity at 100%, lowest sensitivity at frequencies >56–70 dB was at 23.07% with specificity at 100%. The positive predictive value (NRP) at frequencies >25–40 dB was 88.46% while the negative predictive value (NPV) was of 100%. Conclusion: The modified whisper test can be used as early detection of hearing impairment.

Exploring How Hearing, Vision, and Cognition Affect Older Adults’ Driving Exposure Patterns

Better information is needed about how declines in sensory and cognitive function affect older drivers. This study assessed how hearing loss affects engagement in four challenging driving patterns. Data from the AAA Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers study was used, including objectively-measured driving; three measures of hearing: reported hearing aid use, self-rated hearing, and the Whisper Test; visual acuity (Tumbling E); and cognition (Trail Making B). Failing the Whisper Test in both ears was related to significantly lower percentage of trips (%trips) at night, on freeways, and during rush hour, but a higher %trips >15 miles. Hearing aid use and self-rated hearing were not associated with any driving differences. Worse vision was related to a lower %trips >15 miles, while worse cognition was associated with a lower %trips at night, on freeways, and during rush hour. The Whisper Test interacted with cognition for rush hour trips.

Score of Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) Compared to Whisper Test on Presbycusis.

Presbycusis is a sensorineural type of hearing loss caused by a degenerative process of the hearing organ. Examination was done to detect hearing loss, with Audiometry as the diagnostic gold standard and screening with whisper test and using Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly-Screening (HHIE-S) questionnaire. This study was aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity between Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening questionnaire score and Whisper test in hearing loss of presbycusis patients in Dr. Soetomo Hospital. Subjects were elderly patients in outpatient clinic of Geriatry and Audiology of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya. Data samples were collected by consecutive sampling. All collected samples were analyzed statistically by Pearson correlation test to identify the correlation between variables. Results: Statistic analysis with Pearson correlation test obtained p-value = 0.001 and correlation coefficient (r) = 0.691 for HHIE-S questionnaire and p = 0.001 and (r) = 0.298 for Whisper test. The sensitivity of the Whisper test was 72.73% while the HHIE-S questionnaire was 61.82%. Both tests had the same specificity of 80%. Conclusions: The Whisper test is more sensitive than HHIE-S questionnaires in detecting hearing loss in presbycusis patients in outpatient clinic of Geriatry and Audiology of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya.

An Unusual Case of Steroid Resistant IgG4-RD Affecting the Maxillary Alveolar Process

Introduction Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune fibroinflammatory condition that is becoming increasingly recognized in the head and neck. I present a rare case of IgG4-RD originating in the alveolar process of the maxilla with orbital and maxillary sinus involvement that was unresponsive to traditional management. Case Presentation A 37-year-old Somalian woman presented with a 4-month history of progressive swelling of her right cheek and trismus. She had paresthesia and neuropathic pain affecting the V2 and V3 regions of the right trigeminal nerve. Testing of cranial nerve V revealed that she had decreased light-touch sensation over the site of swelling. Her hearing was reduced on the right side based on a whisper test. Investigations Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography confirmed a mass centered on the right maxillary alveolus extending into the right buccal and masticator space, maxillary sinus, and orbit with involvement of the right infraorbital and greater palatine nerves. Histopathologic analysis revealed a storiform pattern of stromal fibrosis with a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and obliterative vasculitis. There was an increased number of IgG4+ plasma cells on immunostaining. Treatment She was started on corticosteroid but showed no response. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and rituximab provided improvement clinically and symptomatically. Discussion Clinically, IgG4-RD presents as a tumefactive, tissue-destructive lesion and often mimics malignant tumors, which can complicate diagnosis. IgG4-RD can be managed medically, and it is important to differentiate this disease from other pathologies in order to avoid invasive surgical management.

Diagnostic significance of subjective techniques for the study of the acoustic organ in patients with primary arterial hypertension

Objectives - to evaluate the diagnostic significance of subjective techniques for the study of the acoustic organ in patients with primary arterial hypertension (HT) Material and methods. 40 patients (n = 40) were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients with HT, group 2 - conditionally healthy patients, examined at the Republican Center for Research and Practice in Otorhinolaryngology, in 2018-2019. The mathematical statistics, Student t-test were used. Results. The patients in the group 1 presented the following complaints: the decrease in speech intelligibility 80% (n=16), difficulty in recognizing the speech in polyphony 70% (n=14), tinnitus 60% (n=12), hearing loss 15% (n=3). Otoscopy in both groups was within normal. Whisper test result was 6 m in the conditionally healthy patients. In patients with HT, the whisper test with familiar multi-syllable words resulted as 6±0.5 m. However, the mono-syllable word hearing in all patients was reduced to 4±0.5 m. Type A tympanogram was registered in patients of both groups (n=40) with bilateral acoustic reflex. High-frequency audiometry showed changes in 1/3 of the patients in HT group (n=6). Monoaural speech intelligibility (multi-syllable words) at the comfortable hearing threshold was not significantly different in both study groups. The binaural speech intelligibility tested by alternating binaural speech at the comfortable auditory threshold reached 80±5% (t&gt;0,95), along with extremely low pass percentage (35%) in digital dichotic tests in patients with HT, that can suggest the feasible central mechanism of the auditory analyzer lesion. Conclusion. HT is a systemic disease that causes an impairment of the acoustic organ at the central and peripheral levels. In addition to the standard batch of hearing tests, it is recommended to use the superthreshold speech intelligibility tests in patients with arterial hypertension.

The Potential Risk of Hearing Loss on Noise-Exposed Housewives : An Observational Study at Sukosari Madiun Railway Residentia

Introduction: Hearing loss events often occur in communities who exposed to high-intensity noise and for long periods. Residents who lived around the railway tracks had a high risk of experiencing hearing loss. This study aims to analyze the potential risk of hearing loss in housewives who for 1x24 hours was always exposed to train noise. Method: This research was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. The sample of this study was 42 housewives who were divided into 2 groups: 21 people exposed to noise and 21 people not exposed to noise. Respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Research data obtained through interviews and observations. Measurement of noise intensity using a whisper test. Result and Discussion: Measurement of day and night noise (L = 65,9 dBA) has exceeded the noise quality standard set for residential areas which were 55 dBA. The results showed that noise (p = 0,030; OR = 5,846) had a strong correlation with hearing loss. While age (p = 0,416), length of stay (p = 1,000), the presence of a barrier (p = 0,465) did not have a significant correlation with hearing loss. Conclusion: Housewives who were exposed to noise have the potential risk of hearing loss. Therefore, efforts must be made to adjust the distance of the settlement and the installation of sound dampers to reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Validation of the whisper test modified by distance as a screening test of hearing impairment for young adults

Pure-tone audiometry as a gold standard is difficult to perform in several places in Indonesia due to problems related to access, referral systems, and costs. Therefore, the examiner relies on the whisper test as a screening test. In this study, we evaluated the newly proposed method of whisper test by modifying the distance so that this method quite practical, simple and can be performed in a smaller room and for the large groups. The test was conducted to 618 randomly selected students (young adults). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the screening test were compared with pure tone audiometry. Based on diagnostic and screening test evaluation, the results showed that the PPV and NPV values are 13.43% and 99.27% respectively. The whisper test modified by distance yielded high sensitivity (69.23%) and high specificity (90.41%) for the screening test. This hearing screening method will be useful in identifying more hearing impairment for a huge population which helps in referral planning.

Agreement on the use of sensory screening techniques by nurses for older adults with cognitive impairment in long-term care: a mixed-methods consensus approach

ObjectiveBased on two scoping reviews and two environmental scans, this study aimed at reaching consensus on the most suitable sensory screening tools for use by nurses working in long-term care...

Clinical-functional vulnerability index and the dimensions of functionality in the elderly person

Objective: to analyze the association between the Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20 and the dimensions of the functionality of the elderly person. Methods: cross-sectional study with 307 participants. The Clinical-Functional Vulnerability Index-20, Mental State Mini-Exam, Abbreviated Geriatric Depression, Timed Up and Go, Hearing Test and Whisper were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and 5% significance. Results: prevalence of fragility was 16.6% and fragility at risk was 43.0%, with higher proportions for the cognitive deficit, the risk for depression, high risk of falls, visual and auditory dysfunction. There was a significant association between fragility and mental status, depression, functional mobility (p<0.001), Snellen Signal Test (right eye p=0.015, left eye p=0.025) and Whisper Test (right and left ear p˂0.001). Conclusion: the early detection of fragility and its association with the dimensions of functionality are essential to care interventions, guaranteeing the autonomy and independence of the elderly person.

Association of Cigarette Smoking with Hearing Loss in Young Male Adults of Hyderabad, Pakistan

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of cigarettes smoking on hearing loss in young adult’s aged < 35 years.METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional research was carried out in the ENT department of Combined Military Hospital Hyderabad. The hearing loss was assessed by Audiometry, Whisper test, Rinne's test and Webbers test. The young healthy adults with no known history of exposure to extreme noise were included. All the participants which had any type of infections or any otic injury were excluded from study. The audiometry was performed on the audiometer MAICO-MA39 (Berlin Germany) at Combined Military Hospital Hyderabad.RESULTS: In this study, 148 apparently healthy participants were selected, out of 148, 73 were smokers and 75 were nonsmokers. The age of the participants ranged between 20 to 35 years with the mean age of smokers 28.99±3.731, and nonsmokers 28.00±4.451 non-smokers. The data collected indicate significantly higher prevalence of hearing loss in smokers 49.31%, P < 0.01 than in non-smokers (30.66%). Age of smokers was positively correlated (r = 0.427, P < 0.01) with hearing loss. Frequency of cigarettes smoked per day was positively correlated (r=0.715, P < 0.01) and year of smoking was also positively correlated with hearing loss (r = 0.620). The correlation of frequency of cigarette smoking and duration of smoking with hearing level was extremely significant (P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cigarette smoking is associated with hearing loss in young adults; this study will be helpful in making public health policies.