Noise exposure and dementia: a rising concern in ageing populations

Purpose The primary aim of the current article is to provide a brief review of the literature regarding the effects of noise exposure on the vestibular and balance control systems. Although the deleterious effects of noise on the auditory system are widely known and continue to be an active area of research, much less is known regarding the effects of noise on the peripheral vestibular system. Audiologists with working knowledge of how both systems interact and overlap are better prepared to provide comprehensive care to more patients as assessment of both the auditory and vestibular systems has been in the audiologists' scope of practice since 1992. Method A narrative review summarizes salient findings from the archival literature. Results Temporary and permanent effects on vestibular system function have been documented in multiple studies. Hearing conservation, vestibular impairment, and fall risk reduction may be more intimately related than previously considered. Conclusions A full appreciation of both the vestibular and auditory systems is necessary to address the growing and aging noise-exposed population. More cross-system studies are needed to further define the complex relationship between the auditory and vestibular systems to improve comprehensive patient care.

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Damage Risk: An Evaluation of the Effects of Exposure to 85 versus 90 dBA of Noise

Journal of Speech and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/jshr.1902.216 ◽

1976 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 216-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

James T. Yates ◽

Jerry D. Ramsey ◽

Jay W. Holland

Keyword(s):

White Noise ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Threshold Shift ◽

Temporary Threshold Shift ◽

Noise Levels ◽

Potential Damage ◽

Full Day ◽

Damage Risk

The purpose of this study was to compare the damage risk of 85 and 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The damage risk of the two noise levels was determined by comparing the temporary threshold shift (TTS) of 12 subjects exposed to either 85 or 90 dBA of white noise for equivalent half- and full-day exposures. TTS was determined by comparing the pre- and postexposure binaural audiograms of each subject at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz. It was concluded that the potential damage risk, that is, hazardous effect, of 90 dBA is greater than 85 dBA of noise for equivalent full-day exposures. The statistical difference between the overall effects of equivalent exposures to 85 dBA as compared to 90 dBA of noise could not be traced to any one frequency. The damage risk of a full-day exposure to 85 dBA is equivalent to that of a half-day exposure to 90 dBA of noise. Within the limits of this study, TTS t was as effective as TTS 2 for estimating the damage risk of noise exposure.

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OSHA Fines Ohio Manufacturer for Employees’ Excessive Noise Exposure

ASHA Leader ◽

10.1044/leader.nib4.23112018.9 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. 9-9

Keyword(s):

Noise Exposure ◽

Excessive Noise

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Chemical and Noise Exposure Together Increase Risk of Hearing Loss

ASHA Leader ◽

10.1044/leader.nib1.23062018.10 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 10-11

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Increase Risk

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Vocal Performance Teachers and Hearing Loss

Perspectives on Public Health Issues Related to Hearing and Balance ◽

10.1044/phi16.1.15 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 15-24

Author(s):

Vance Gunnell ◽

Jeff Larsen

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Otoacoustic Emissions ◽

Noise Exposure ◽

Vocal Performance ◽

Occupational Noise ◽

Hearing Conservation ◽

Occupational Noise Exposure ◽

Distortion Product ◽

Hearing Thresholds ◽

Performance Teachers

Hearing thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured for teachers of vocal performance who were gathered for a national conference. Results showed mean audiometric thresholds to be consistent with noise induced hearing loss, more than what would be expected with normal aging. Years of instruction and age were considered as factors in the hearing loss observed. It was concluded that hearing conservation should be initiated with this group to help raise awareness and protect them from hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.

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