Hearing threshold shifts among military pilots of the Israeli Air Force

2017 ◽  
Vol 164 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyona Kampel-Furman ◽  
Z Joachims ◽  
H Bar-Cohen ◽  
A Grossman ◽  
Y Frenkel-Nir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Air Force ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Mean Shift ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Potential Risk Factors

BackgroundMilitary aviators are potentially at risk for developing noise-induced hearing loss. Whether ambient aircraft noise exposure causes hearing deficit beyond the changes attributed to natural ageing is debated. The aim of this research was to assess changes in hearing thresholds of Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilots over 20 years of military service and identify potential risk factors for hearing loss.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of pure-tone air conduction audiograms of pilots, from their recruitment at 18 years of age until the last documented medical check-up. Mean hearing thresholds were analysed in relation to age, total flight hours and aircraft platform. Comparisons were made to the hearing thresholds of air traffic controllers (ATCs) who were not exposed to the noise generated by aircraft while on duty.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-three pilots were included, with flying platforms ranging from fighter jets (n=54), combat helicopters (n=27), transport helicopters (n=52) and transport aircraft (n=30). These were compared with the results from 17 ATCs. A marked notch in the frequency range of 4–6 kHz was demonstrated in the mean audiograms of all platforms pilots, progressing with ageing. Hearing threshold shifts in relation to measurements at recruitment were first noted at the age of 30 years, particularly at 4 kHz (mean shift of 2.97 dB, p=0.001). There was no statistical association between flying variables and hearing thresholds adjusted for age by logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsThe audiometric profile of IAF pilots has a pattern compatible with noise exposure, as reflected by characteristic noise notch. However, no flight variable was associated with deterioration of hearing thresholds, and no significant difference from non-flying controls (ATCs) was seen.

Hearing loss as a predictor for hearing protection attenuation among miners

2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-106838
Author(s):  
Elon D Ullman ◽  
Lauren M Smith ◽  
Marjorie C McCullagh ◽  
Richard L Neitzel
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Midwestern Usa ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Fit Testing

ObjectiveThis study investigated risk factors for poor earplug fit, with a focus on the association between hearing loss and personal attenuation ratings (PARs).MethodsEarplug fit was assessed by obtaining PARs using a real ear at attenuation threshold (REAT) system. Hearing loss was assessed using the unoccluded hearing thresholds measured during the REAT testing and the results of a speech-in-noise test. Potential predictors of PARs were modelled using both simple and multiple linear regression. Hearing loss was the primary predictor of interest.ResultsData were collected from 200 workers at ten above-ground mining sites in the Midwestern USA. Workers reported wearing their hearing protection on average 73.9% of the time in a high noise environment (mean 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposure 85.5 dBA, range 65–103 dBA). One-quarter (26.7%) of workers were found to have a hearing loss (hearing threshold ≥25 dB across 1–4 kHz), and 42% reported symptoms of tinnitus. Workers with a hearing loss had a significantly lower PAR than those without a hearing loss (β=−5.1, SE=1.7).ConclusionsThe results of the adjusted regression models suggest that workers with hearing loss achieved significantly lower PARs than those without hearing loss. This association between hearing loss and hearing protection devices (HPD) fit brings into focus the potential benefit of fit checks to be included in hearing conservation programmes. Workers found to have hearing loss should be prioritised for fit testing, as their hearing impairment may be associated with poor HPD fit.

scholarly journals Association between Ocular Pseudoexfoliation and Sensorineural Hearing Loss

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandini Vijaya Singham ◽  
Mimiwati Zahari ◽  
Mohammadreza Peyman ◽  
Narayanan Prepageran ◽  
Visvaraja Subrayan
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
The Body ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Speech Comprehension ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Our study aimed to investigate an association between ocular pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to compare them with age and sex matched controls without pseudoexfoliation.Method. This was a case-control study of 123 patients which included 68 cases with PXF (at least one eye) and 55 controls without pseudoexfoliation. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was done for these patients at sound frequencies taken as important for speech comprehension, that is, 250 Hertz (Hz), 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz.Results. There were 41 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXE) and 27 with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXEG). The majority of patients with hearing loss (60%;n=51) were PXF patients and the remaining 40%(n=34)were controls. Below average hearing thresholds were significantly higher in the pseudoexfoliation group compared to the control group (P=0.01; odds ratio (OR), 3.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–7.19). However, there was no significant difference in the mean hearing threshold levels between the three groups (PXE, PXEG, and controls) in either ear (ANOVA, right ear:P=0.46and left earP=0.36).Conclusion. Our study found an association between PXF and SNHL, confirming that PXF can involve organs in the body other than the eye.

scholarly journals Assessment of Hearing Loss among Workers in a Power Plant in Thailand

2019 ◽  
pp. 38-45
Author(s):  
Pensri Watchalayann ◽  
Laksana Laokiat
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Work Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference

Noise exposure in the working environment is a major cause of hearing impairment for workers; an audiogram hearing threshold level above 20 dB is considered irregular. In this study, audiometric data were analyzed with the objective of assessing hearing loss among power plant workers based on their age, noise exposure level, years of working, and work characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess hearing level data for 672 workers reserved by the Health Care Unit of the power plant. The most recent audiometric data presented during 2013-2015 were used in the statistical analysis at 5 % level of significance. It was found that the most dominant frequency with reference to age and work experience is the test frequency at 4,000 Hz. The most prominent suffering significant hearing loss for both ears is the age group of 50-60 years, consistent with more than 35 years of working. The most significant exposure level is noise level at 81-84 dBA for the left ear only. The work characteristics were found to be the most significant factor affecting hearing loss in both ears. The t-test reveals no significant difference in hearing loss in both ears at all test frequencies. Hearing loss is found to occur at 4,000 and 6,000 Hz; therefore, there is a necessity to implement noise control measures specifically for each work group. Although there is an educational and training program in the power plant, all workers should still be educated continuously on how to use hearing protection equipment correctly to enhance awareness of the hazards of noise to hearing. Periodic audiometry should be performed to early detect noise-induced hearing loss specifically the notch occurring at 4,000 and 6,000 Hz, together with engineering control in order to reduce unwanted sound.

scholarly journals The Effect of Exposure to Noise during Military Service on the Subsequent Progression of Hearing Loss

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2436
Author(s):  
Brian C. J. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Wide Frequency Range ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Threshold Levels ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Level

This paper reviews and re-analyses data from published studies on the effects of noise exposure on the progression of hearing loss once noise exposure has ceased, focusing particularly on noise exposure during military service. The data are consistent with the idea that such exposure accelerates the progression of hearing loss at frequencies where the hearing loss is absent or mild at the end of military service (hearing threshold levels (HTLs) up to approximately 50 dB HL), but has no effect on or slows the progression of hearing loss at frequencies where the hearing loss exceeds approximately 50 dB. Acceleration appears to occur over a wide frequency range, including 1 kHz. However, each of the studies reviewed has limitations. There is a need for further longitudinal studies of changes in HTLs over a wide range of frequencies and including individuals with a range of HTLs and ages at the end of military service. Longitudinal studies are also needed to establish whether the progression of hearing loss following the end of exposure to high-level sounds depends on the type of noise exposure (steady broadband factory noises versus impulsive sounds).

scholarly journals Audiological analysis in military police officers with exposure to occupational noise in motorized patrol activity

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-45
Author(s):  
K.C.S. De Lima ◽  
L.B. Da Silva ◽  
V.S.B. Gonçalves ◽  
E.L. De Souza ◽  
J.G.B. Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Service Time ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Military Police ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Personal Dosimeter ◽  
Selection Of

The aim of this article is to present the results of audiological findings from a selection of military police officers with exposure to occupational noise, in the motorized patrol activity, in João Pessoa city. The data collected from the motorcycle police sample were compared with the ISO 1999: 2013 Standard. The research was performed in 46 police officers, whose mean age was 32.7 years old and a mean service time of 10.5 years. For the subjects’ selection and inclusion in the study, interviews were conducted, in addition to questionnaires, ontological examination, audiometric tests and the respective noise level measurements performed by a personal dosimeter, according to ISO 9612:2009 Standard recommendations. Findings from questionnaires showed that 51% of the police officers reported to have some type of hearing complaints; through audiometric tests, 36.1% of the cases suggested hearing loss. The most significant hearing threshold change occur in the range from 3000Hz and 4000Hz. Hearing thresholds shifts suggest the occurrence of some Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) level in motorcycle police officers who are over 30 years and 10 years of service. Besides, compared with the data from ISO 1999:2013 standard, there is a decrease in the auditory level of these professionals after three years on service, and a noise exposure of Lex, 8h = 96.9 dB(A).

scholarly journals Comprehensive Audiometric Analysis of Hearing Impairment and Tinnitus After Cisplatin-Based Chemotherapy in Survivors of Adult-Onset Cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (23) ◽  
pp. 2712-2720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Frisina ◽  
Heather E. Wheeler ◽  
Sophie D. Fossa ◽  
Sarah L. Kerns ◽  
Chunkit Fung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Adult Onset ◽  
Hearing Status ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Loss Severity

Purpose Cisplatin is widely used but highly ototoxic. Effects of cumulative cisplatin dose on hearing loss have not been comprehensively evaluated in survivors of adult-onset cancer. Patients and Methods Comprehensive audiological measures were conducted on 488 North American male germ cell tumor (GCT) survivors in relation to cumulative cisplatin dose, including audiograms (0.25 to 12 kHz), tests of middle ear function, and tinnitus. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association criteria defined hearing loss severity. The geometric mean of hearing thresholds (0.25 to 12 kHz) summarized overall hearing status consistent with audiometric guidelines. Patients were sorted into quartiles of hearing thresholds of age- and sex-matched controls. Results Increasing cumulative cisplatin dose (median, 400 mg/m2; range, 200 to 800 mg/m2) was significantly related to hearing loss at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 kHz (P trends, .021 to < .001): every 100 mg/m2 increase resulted in a 3.2-dB impairment in age-adjusted overall hearing threshold (4 to 12 kHz; P < .001). Cumulative cisplatin doses > 300 mg/m2 were associated with greater American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–defined hearing loss severity (odds ratio, 1.59; P = .0066) and worse normative-matched quartiles (odds ratio, 1.33; P = .093) compared with smaller doses. Almost one in five (18%) patients had severe to profound hearing loss. Tinnitus (40% patients) was significantly correlated with reduced hearing at each frequency (P < .001). Noise-induced damage (10% patients) was unaffected by cisplatin dose (P = .59). Hypertension was significantly related (P = .0066) to overall hearing threshold (4 to 12 kHz) in age- and cisplatin dose–adjusted analyses. Middle ear deficits occurred in 22.3% of patients but, as expected, were not related to cytotoxic drug dosage. Conclusion Follow-up of adult-onset cancer survivors given cisplatin should include routine inquiry for hearing status and tinnitus, referral to audiologists as clinically indicated, and hypertension control. Patients should be urged to avoid noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, and other factors that further damage hearing.

Vocal Performance Teachers and Hearing Loss

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.

scholarly journals Monitoring of the auditory pathway maturation after early intervention during the first year of life in infants with sensorineural hearing loss

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Matin ◽  
S. Haumann ◽  
W. Roßberg ◽  
D. Mitovska ◽  
T. Lenarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Early Intervention ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Auditory Pathway ◽  
Auditory Brainstem Responses ◽  
First Year ◽  
Early Therapy ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
First Year Of Life

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate the auditory pathway maturation monitored by auditory brainstem responses (ABR) in infants with hearing loss during the first year of life. ABR were used to estimate hearing thresholds and the effect of early intervention strategies using hearing aids (HA). Methods Click-evoked ABRs were measured in 102 infants aged from 0 to 12 months to determine their individual auditory threshold. Early therapy intervention was recommended before 12 months of age and analyzed. To evaluate the effect of hearing amplification on auditory maturation, different subgroups of infants with moderate hearing loss were analyzed and the auditory pathway maturation was determined based on IPL I–V shortening. Results Overall, 110 ears (54.0% of 204 ears) with mild to profound HL showed threshold changes of 10 dB up to 60 dB in the follow-up ABR testing. HA were prescribed at the age of 3.8 ± 3.9 months. Cochlear implantation (CI) was performed in cases of repeated profound HL at the age of 9.9 months ± 4.5 months. A significant shortening of IPL I–V in all subgroups of infants (with and without risk factors) who received HA was shown and assumed auditory pathway maturation. Conclusion An early intervention using optimally fitted HA influenced auditory pathway maturation and may lead to improvements of hearing thresholds during the first year of life in infants. This study underscores the importance of not only providing HAs to infants, but also controlling for hearing threshold changes ensuring that HAs provide the optimal level of intervention or CI is indicated.

scholarly journals Partial Hearing Restoration after ERBB2 Induction in Deafened Adult Mice

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingyuan Zhang ◽  
Daxiang Na ◽  
Miriam Dilts ◽  
Kenneth S. Henry ◽  
Patricia M. White
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Supporting Cell ◽  
Supporting Cells ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Noise Damage ◽  
Cochlear Supporting Cells

AbstractNoise induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects over ten million adults in the United States, and there is no biological treatment to restore endogenous function after damage. We hypothesized that activation of signaling from ERBB2 receptors in cochlear supporting cells could mitigate NIHL damage. We used the Tet-On genetic expression system to drive a constitutively active variant of ERBB2 (CA-ERBB2) in cochlear supporting cells three days after permanent noise damage in young adult mice. Hearing thresholds were assessed with auditory brainstem response tests prior to noise damage, and hearing recovery was assessed over a three month period. We evaluated supporting cell proliferation, inner and outer hair cell (IHC and OHC) survival, synaptic preservation, and IHC cytoskeletal alterations with histological techniques. Mice harboring CA-ERBB2 capability had similar hearing thresholds to control littermates prior to and immediately after noise exposure, and incurred similar levels of permanent hearing loss. Two and three months after noise exposure, CA-ERBB2+ mice demonstrated a partial but significant reversal of NIHL threshold shifts at the lowest frequency tested, out of five frequencies (n=19 total mice, p=0.0015, ANOVA). We also observed improved IHC and OHC survival (n=7 total cochleae, p=5 × 10−5, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test). There was no evidence for sustained supporting cell proliferation. Some mortality was associated with doxycycline and furosemide treatments to induce the Tet-ON system. These data suggest that ERBB2 signaling in supporting cells promotes HC repair and some functional recovery. Funded by NIH R01 DC014261, and grants from the Schmitt Foundation and UR Ventures.

Asymmetric Hearing Loss Prompting MRI Referral in a Military Population: Redefining Audiometric Criteria

2018 ◽  
Vol 158 (4) ◽  
pp. 695-701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony M. Tolisano ◽  
Ricardo M. Burgos ◽  
Michael B. Lustik ◽  
Lex A. Mitchell ◽  
Philip D. Littlefield
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Military Population ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Referral Criteria ◽  
Diagnosis Rate ◽  
History Of

Objective To reevaluate asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) criteria used to justify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of retrocochlear tumors in a military population. Study Design Retrospective case-control study. Setting Tertiary care military medical center. Subjects and Methods Patients with military service and a history of ASNHL prompting referral for MRI, with or without retrocochlear tumors, were compared between 2005 and 2016. Predictor variables included pure tone ASNHL, speech audiometry, and a history of noise exposure. Logistic regression models for hearing asymmetries were performed, and receiver operator curves were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. Results Thirty-eight retrocochlear tumors were identified. The MRI diagnosis rate for patients with ASHNL was 0.85%. Patients with tumors were slightly older (42 vs 37 years, P = .021) and had less noise exposure (47% vs 85%, P < .001). A sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.58 were calculated for asymmetries ≥10 dB at 2000 Hz without adjusting for noise exposure. Instituting this imaging threshold would have reduced the number of MRI scans by half while missing 16% of tumors. Conclusion The tumor diagnosis rate among those undergoing MRI for ASNHL is low in the military population, likely because service-related noise exposure commonly causes ASNHL. Optimal MRI referral criteria should conserve resources while balancing the risks of over- and underdiagnosis. For those with a history of military service, an asymmetry ≥10 dB at 2000 Hz among patients meeting current ANSHL referral criteria is most predictive of a retrocochlear tumor.

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