Noise-induced hearing loss in the military dental setting: a UK legislative perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 166 (E) ◽  
pp. e53-e56
Author(s):  
Richard Ramsey ◽  
J Greenough ◽  
J Breeze
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Dental Surgery ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dental Setting ◽  
The Military

IntroductionHealth professionals working in the dental environment are potentially at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to the use of clinical and laboratory equipment. Workplaces engaging in the practice of dentistry within the UK are subject to legislation from the Control of Noise at Work (CNW) regulations 2005. Clinicians working in the military are at further increased risk of NIHL due to exposure from additional risk factors such as rifles or aircraft engines. To our knowledge, no authors have previously studied the noise levels experienced in a military dental setting or compared noise levels in a typical dental practice with current UK legislation.MethodMeasurements of noise levels experienced by a dentist, dental nurse and dental hygienist during a standard conservation procedure were assessed using wearable noise dose-badges. Furthermore, noise levels within a dental technician’s work space were also assessed. Noise levels produced by representative clinical and laboratory equipment were assessed and compared with CNW legislation.ResultsThe highest level for clinical equipment was produced by the suction apparatus while aspirating up a cup of water at 76 dB. For laboratory equipment, the lower exposure action value (LEAV) of 80 dB would be exceeded in 2.1 hours’ use of the trimmer, 3.6 hours’ use of the vibrating table and 9 min use of the airline.ConclusionsNoise levels experienced by clinicians within the dental surgery were well below the legislative LEAV thresholds for both peak and continuous noise. However, noise levels produced by laboratory equipment were far higher and there is clearly the potential for excessive noise exposure for dental professional in the everyday setting. Dental professionals responsible for dental laboratory settings must be familiar with the CNW regulations and measures put in place that control the inadvertent breach of legislation. Hearing protection must be mandated when using equipment that exceeds the LEAV and an educational programme is required to explain both their correct use and the rationale behind it. Methods of mitigating that risk further require exploration such as alternative methods of completing the tasks performed by the airline or reducing the noise generated by it, such as by reducing the supply pressure or using an alternative nozzle design.

scholarly journals O1B.4 Health effects of prenatal occupational noise exposure: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A5.3-A6
Author(s):  
Zara Ann Stokholm ◽  
Inge Brosbøl Iversen ◽  
Henrik Kolstad
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Exposure Levels

Current legislation and threshold limits for occupational noise exposure may not sufficiently account for higher vulnerability of the foetus. We conducted a systematic literature review and identified 20 relevant studies of prenatal noise exposure levels and health. Maternal tissues attenuate industrial noise by about 30 dB. The foetus responds the earliest to noise exposure from the 19th week of gestational age. There is some evidence of an increased risk of hearing loss at prenatal noise levels≥85 dBA (8 hour average) and little evidence at lower levels. Increased risks for preterm birth, small-for-gestational-age and congenital malformations are seen as single study findings at levels≥90 dBA. There is little evidence for how noise exposure may increase the risk of extra-auditive effects in the foetus. Methodological shortcomings and the scarce number of studies limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Still, we recommend pregnant women avoid working at noise levels≥85 dBA.

scholarly journals A functional SNP in miR-625-5p binding site of AKT2 3'UTR is associated with noise-induced hearing loss susceptibility in the Chinese population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Miao ◽  
Boshen Wang ◽  
Juan Zhang ◽  
Lihong Yin ◽  
Yuepu Pu
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Binding Site ◽  
Binding Affinity ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract This study aimed to explore the association of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the AKT2 gene and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility and explore the potential mechanism underlying NIHL. Three SNPs (rs2304186, rs41275750 and rs76524493) were genotyped in a Chinese population which consists of 690 NIHL patients and 650 normal hearing controls. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the potential miRNA-binding site of SNPs. Cell transfection and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SNPs involved in NIHL. The results revealed rs2304186 GT genotype (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.09–1.83) and TT genotype (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.08–2.10) imparted increased risk of NIHL, and the increased risk could also be found in a dominant model (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.12–1.84). The stratification analysis showed that rs2304186 GT/TT conferred a higher risk for NIHL, especially in subgroups of male, age (35–45 and > 45 years), noise exposure time (> 16 years), and noise exposure level (≤ 85 and ≥ 92 dB), compared with GG genotype. In addition, the haplotype TCCTACT (rs2304186-rs41275750-rs76524493) was associated with NIHL risk (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02–1.40). Rs2304186 G allele combined with hsa-miR-625-5p mimics could significantly decrease the luciferase activity compared with T allele, indicating rs2304186 altered the binding affinity of hsa-miR-625-5p to SNP rs2304186 mutation region, thus directly targeting AKT2. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the first time that SNP rs2304186 of AKT2 3′UTR affects NIHL susceptibility by affecting the binding affinity of has-miR-625-5p in an allele-specific manner and it may act as a potential biomarker of NIHL susceptibility.

In-vehicle noise exposure among military personnel depending on type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface

2019 ◽  
pp. jramc-2018-001091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assar Luha ◽  
E Merisalu ◽  
M Reinvee ◽  
S Kinnas ◽  
R Jõgeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Surface ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Vehicle Noise ◽  
Paved Road

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common health problems among military service personnel. Exposure to noise in military vehicles constitutes a large proportion of total noise exposure. This pilot study aimed to evaluate in-vehicle noise levels depending on the type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface.MethodNoise levels were measured in armoured personnel carriers and heavy all-terrain trucks, in the cab and rear passenger compartment, while driving on paved or off-road surfaces. The results were compared with national LLV and allowed noise exposure times were calculated per vehicle and surface.ResultsThe equivalent noise levels in the cab of SISU XA-188 (p=0.001) and peak noise levels in MAN 4620 (p=0.0001) and DAF 4440 (p=0.0047) were higher on paved road, compared with off-road. The equivalent noise levels in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 were significantly higher than in the cab on both paved (p=0.004) and off-road (p=0.0003). Peak noise levels in the cab of DAF 4440 exceeded the parameters measured in the canvas covered rear compartment on both paved (p=0.002) and off-road (p=0.0002). In most cases, peak noise levels were below the LLV (p=0.02–0.0001). The maximum noise exposure to passengers in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 despite road surface was calculated 0.6 hours per working day.ConclusionA high risk of noise-induced hearing loss among military personnel occurs during long distance transportation with vehicles showing noise levels higher than allowed LLV.

scholarly journals Relationship between CDH23 gene and risk of noise-induced hearing loss

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Jiao ◽  
Shanfa Yu ◽  
Guizhen Gu ◽  
Guoshun Chen ◽  
Huanling Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between CDH23 gene and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).Methods: This was a case-control study. Noise-exposed workers worked in a steel factory in North China was recruited and been divided into two groups: the case group (BHFTA ≥40 dB) and the control group (BHFTA<25 dB). We analyzed the association among 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CDH23 and NIHL risk using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the main effects of SNPs and the interactions between CNE and SNPs adjusting cumulative noise exposure (CNE), smoking, drinking, physical exercise and hypertension. Results: In this study, 776 subjects of period I and 1117 subjects of period I+II were recruited. The results showed that subjects who carried the AA genotype of rs3802711possessed significantly increased risk of NIHL than those carrying GG (OR: 2.71; 95% CI:1.15, 6.39) and GA+GG (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.09, 6.00) in period I, respectively. For rs11592462, subjects carrying the GG genotype showed a significantly increased risk of NIHL compared with the subjects. Significant relationships were showed between rs10999947, rs3802711, rs10762480, rs3752751, rs3752752, rs3747867, and rs11592462 for NIHL overall and various CNE strata. There was no significant association between the rs1227049 - rs3752752 - rs10999947 - rs3752751 - rs10762480 - rs3802711 - rs11592462 - rs4747195 - rs4747194 - rs10466026 haplotypes and NIHL risk. Conclusions: The genetic variation in the CDH23 gene might play an important role in determining individual susceptibility to NIHL.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Behar
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Loud Noise ◽  
Frequency Content ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Content Change ◽  
Almost All

Noise exposure is a basic concept used to assess the risk of noise induced hearing loss in the workplace. It is very important, since loud noise is omnipresent in almost all human activity, especially in industry, construction, mining and transportation. The question to answer is how to determine the risk of a person performing in an environment where the noise levels, duration and frequency content change with time. The answer is obtained by measuring his noise exposure. Although the measurement itself is not complex or difficult, a proper knowledge of what exactly is the noise exposure and how to deal with the measurement result in fundamental to avoid getting wrong conclusions.

MicroRNAs in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and their Regulation by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 1216-1224
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Forouzanfar ◽  
Samira Asgharzade
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hair Cell ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Cell Damage ◽  
Sensory Cells ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Open Access Journals

Noise exposure (NE) has been recognized as one of the causes of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which can bring about irreversible damage to sensory hair cells in the cochlea, through the launch of oxidative stress pathways and inflammation. Accordingly, determining the molecular mechanism involved in regulating hair cell apoptosis via NE is essential to prevent hair cell damage. However, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the degeneration of sensory cells of the cochlea during NE has not been so far uncovered. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to demonstrate the regulatory role of miRNAs in the oxidative stress pathway and inflammation induced by NE. In this respect, articles related to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), oxidative stress, inflammation, and miRNA from various databases of Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Google Scholar, PubMed; Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts (LISTA), and Web of Science were searched and retrieved. The findings revealed that several studies had suggested that up-regulation of miR-1229-5p, miR-451a, 185-5p, 186 and down-regulation of miRNA-96/182/183 and miR-30b were involved in oxidative stress and inflammation which could be used as biomarkers for NIHL. There was also a close relationship between NIHL and miRNAs, but further research is required to prove a causal association between miRNA alterations and NE, and also to determine miRNAs as biomarkers indicating responses to NE.

Noise Exposure and Hearing Disorders

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Thais C. Morata
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Protection ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Disorders ◽  
Industrial Noise ◽  
Significant Impairment ◽  
Protection Devices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Occupational Hearing Loss

Exposure to industrial noise and the resulting effect of occupational hearing loss is a common problem in nearly all industries. This chapter describes industrial noise exposure, its assessment, and hearing disorders that result from overexposure to noise. Beginning with the properties of sound, noise-induced hearing loss and other effects of noise exposure are discussed. The impact of hearing disorders and the influence of other factors on hearing loss are described. Typically, noise-induced hearing loss develops slowly, and usually goes unnoticed until a significant impairment has occurred. Fortunately, occupational hearing loss is nearly always preventable. Therefore, this chapter gives particular attention to recommendations for measures to prevent occupational hearing loss such as engineering noise controls and hearing protection devices.

scholarly journals Contributions and limitations of using machine learning to predict noise-induced hearing loss

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifan Chen ◽  
Zuwei Cao ◽  
Emad M. Grais ◽  
Fei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Roc Curve ◽  
Prediction Error ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Model Construction ◽  
Support Vector ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Current Review

Abstract Purpose Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a global issue that impacts people’s life and health. The current review aims to clarify the contributions and limitations of applying machine learning (ML) to predict NIHL by analyzing the performance of different ML techniques and the procedure of model construction. Methods The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus on November 26, 2020. Results Eight studies were recruited in the current review following defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sample size in the selected studies ranged between 150 and 10,567. The most popular models were artificial neural networks (n = 4), random forests (n = 3) and support vector machines (n = 3). Features mostly correlated with NIHL and used in the models were: age (n = 6), duration of noise exposure (n = 5) and noise exposure level (n = 4). Five included studies used either split-sample validation (n = 3) or ten-fold cross-validation (n = 2). Assessment of accuracy ranged in value from 75.3% to 99% with a low prediction error/root-mean-square error in 3 studies. Only 2 studies measured discrimination risk using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and/or the area under ROC curve. Conclusion In spite of high accuracy and low prediction error of machine learning models, some improvement can be expected from larger sample sizes, multiple algorithm use, completed reports of model construction and the sufficient evaluation of calibration and discrimination risk.

scholarly journals Effect of Phlorofucofuroeckol A and Dieckol Extracted from Ecklonia cava on Noise-induced Hearing Loss in a Mouse Model

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 443
Author(s):  
Hyunjun Woo ◽  
Min-Kyung Kim ◽  
Sohyeon Park ◽  
Seung-Hee Han ◽  
Hyeon-Cheol Shin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hair Cell ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Ecklonia Cava ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Antioxidant Agents ◽  
Brainstem Response

One of the well-known causes of hearing loss is noise. Approximately 31.1% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 years (61.1 million people) have high-frequency hearing loss associated with noise exposure. In addition, recurrent noise exposure can accelerate age-related hearing loss. Phlorofucofuroeckol A (PFF-A) and dieckol, polyphenols extracted from the brown alga Ecklonia cava, are potent antioxidant agents. In this study, we investigated the effect of PFF-A and dieckol on the consequences of noise exposure in mice. In 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay, dieckol and PFF-A both showed significant radical-scavenging activity. The mice were exposed to 115 dB SPL of noise one single time for 2 h. Auditory brainstem response(ABR) threshold shifts 4 h after 4 kHz noise exposure in mice that received dieckol were significantly lower than those in the saline with noise group. The high-PFF-A group showed a lower threshold shift at click and 16 kHz 1 day after noise exposure than the control group. The high-PFF-A group also showed higher hair cell survival than in the control at 3 days after exposure in the apical turn. These results suggest that noise-induced hair cell damage in cochlear and the ABR threshold shift can be alleviated by dieckol and PFF-A in the mouse. Derivatives of these compounds may be applied to individuals who are inevitably exposed to noise, contributing to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss with a low probability of adverse effects.

scholarly journals Role of CASP7 polymorphisms in noise-induced hearing loss risk in Han Chinese population

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanmei Ruan ◽  
Jinwei Zhang ◽  
Shiqi Mai ◽  
Wenfeng Zeng ◽  
Lili Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Chinese Population ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Han Chinese ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Han Chinese Population ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractGenetic factors and gene-environment interaction may play an important role in the development of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). 191 cases and 191 controls were selected by case–control study. Among them, case groups were screened from workers exposed to noise in binaural high-frequency hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB (A). Workers with hearing thresholds ≤ 25 dB (A) in any binaural frequency band were selected to the control group, based on matching factors such as age, exposure time to noise, and operating position. The blood samples from two groups of workers were subjected to DNA extraction and SNP sequencing of CASP3 and CASP7 genes using the polymerase chain reaction ligase detection reaction method. Conditional logistic regression correction was used to analyze the genetic variation associated with susceptibility to NIHL. There was an association between rs2227310 and rs4353229 of the CASP7 gene and the risk of NIHL. Compared with the GG genotype, the CC genotype of rs2227310 reduced the risk of NIHL. Compared with CC genotype, the TT genotype of rs4353229 reduced the risk of NIHL. Workers carrying the rs2227310GG and rs4353229CC genotype had an increased risk of NIHL compared to workers without any high-risk genotype. There were additive interaction and multiplication interaction between CASP7rs2227310 and CNE, and the same interaction between CASP7rs4353229 and CNE. The interaction between the CASP7 gene and CNE significantly increased the risk of NIHL. The genetic polymorphisms of CASP7rs2227310GG and CASP7rs4353229CC were associated with an increased risk of NIHL in Han Chinese population and have the potential to act as biomarkers for noise-exposed workers.

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