scholarly journals Night-Time Decibel Hell: Mapping Noise Exposure Zones and Individual Annoyance Ratings in an Urban Environment in Ghana

Scientifica ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel N. Zakpala ◽  
Frederick Ato Armah ◽  
Brigid M. Sackey ◽  
Opoku Pabi
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Geographical Information Systems ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Night Time

Although accumulating evidence over the past thirty years indicates that noise is an environmental stressor in residential settings, much of the data emanated from studies in high-intensity, noise impact zones around airports or major roads. Little is known about religious noise, especially at night, which is increasingly a growing concern for both the general public and policy-makers in sub-Saharan Africa. Using geographical information systems (GIS), this study measured and mapped exposure to religious noise in a rapidly urbanising municipality in Ghana. Quantitative noise risk assessment was used to evaluate the risk of religious noise-induced hearing loss to residents in the exposed neighbourhoods. The results show that all neighbourhoods where churches were situated had at least one location with significant risk of noise-induced hearing loss. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between neighbourhoods where religious noise exposure was the highest and where noise annoyance was the highest. The magnitude of the noise values for night-time exposure is remarkable particularly given that excessive night-time noise exposure has the greatest detrimental effect on public health. There is the need to focus on vulnerable groups, sensitive hours of the night, and possible confounding with air pollution in order to wholly address this potential hazard.

scholarly journals Screening for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Palm Oil Mill Workers in Peninsular Malaysia: A Comparison across Noise Exposure Levels

Standards ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42
Author(s):  
Sirri Ammar ◽  
Aziah Daud ◽  
Ahmad Filza Ismail ◽  
Ailin Razali
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Palm Oil ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Palm Oil Mill

Background: Palm oil mill workers in Malaysia are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in the workplace, and thus are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). In 2019, Malaysia introduced a new noise regulation, which reduced the level of permissible noise exposure. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of NIHL among palm oil mill workers based on screening data and assess the effects of different noise exposure levels on NIHL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing data from noise risk assessment reports of selected mills and screening audiometric data from workers. NIHL was defined as bilateral high-frequency hearing loss. Results: The overall NIHL prevalence was 50.8%. Noise exposure level and age were significant predictors of NIHL among the workers. The risk of developing NIHL was high even for workers who were not categorized in the high-risk group. Conclusions: In view of the findings, a precautionary approach is needed when evaluating the risk of NIHL in the study population. Vulnerable groups of workers must be protected from occupational noise hazards through the implementation of effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

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.

Field Monitoring of Otoacoustic Emissions During Noise Exposure: Pilot Study in Controlled Environment

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (3S) ◽  
pp. 352-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Nadon ◽  
Annelies Bockstael ◽  
Dick Botteldooren ◽  
Jérémie Voix
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Otoacoustic Emissions ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Temporal Resolution ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Conservation Programs ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Hearing Status

Purpose In spite of all the efforts to implement workplace hearing conservation programs, noise-induced hearing loss remains the leading cause of disability for North American workers. Nonetheless, an individual's susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss can be estimated by monitoring changes in hearing status in relation to the level of ambient noise exposure. The purpose of this study was to validate an approach that could improve workplace hearing conservation practices. The approach was developed using a portable and robust system designed for noisy environments and consisted of taking continuous measurements with high temporal resolution of the health status of the inner ear using otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). Method A pilot study was conducted in a laboratory, exposing human subjects to industrial noise recordings at realistic levels. In parallel, OAEs were measured periodically using the designed OAE system as well as with a commercially available OAE system, used as a reference. Results Variations in OAE levels were analyzed and discussed along with the limitations of the reference and designed systems. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the monitoring of an individual's OAEs could be useful in monitoring temporary changes in hearing status induced by exposure to ambient noise and could be considered as a new tool for effective hearing conservation programs in the workplace.

scholarly journals Primed to die: an investigation of the genetic mechanisms underlying noise-induced hearing loss and cochlear damage in homozygous Foxo3-knockout mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly J. Beaulac ◽  
Felicia Gilels ◽  
Jingyuan Zhang ◽  
Sarah Jeoung ◽  
Patricia M. White
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Multiphoton Microscopy ◽  
Cell Loss ◽  
Outer Hair Cells ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Cell Death Pathway ◽  
Cochlear Damage

AbstractThe prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to increase, with limited therapies available for individuals with cochlear damage. We have previously established that the transcription factor FOXO3 is necessary to preserve outer hair cells (OHCs) and hearing thresholds up to two weeks following mild noise exposure in mice. The mechanisms by which FOXO3 preserves cochlear cells and function are unknown. In this study, we analyzed the immediate effects of mild noise exposure on wild-type, Foxo3 heterozygous (Foxo3+/−), and Foxo3 knock-out (Foxo3−/−) mice to better understand FOXO3’s role(s) in the mammalian cochlea. We used confocal and multiphoton microscopy to examine well-characterized components of noise-induced damage including calcium regulators, oxidative stress, necrosis, and caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis. Lower immunoreactivity of the calcium buffer Oncomodulin in Foxo3−/− OHCs correlated with cell loss beginning 4 h post-noise exposure. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified parthanatos as the cell death pathway for OHCs. Oxidative stress response pathways were not significantly altered in FOXO3’s absence. We used RNA sequencing to identify and RT-qPCR to confirm differentially expressed genes. We further investigated a gene downregulated in the unexposed Foxo3−/− mice that may contribute to OHC noise susceptibility. Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 3 (GDPD3), a possible endogenous source of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), has not previously been described in the cochlea. As LPA reduces OHC loss after severe noise exposure, we treated noise-exposed Foxo3−/− mice with exogenous LPA. LPA treatment delayed immediate damage to OHCs but was insufficient to ultimately prevent their death or prevent hearing loss. These results suggest that FOXO3 acts prior to acoustic insult to maintain cochlear resilience, possibly through sustaining endogenous LPA levels.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of the potential and actual risk of noise-induced hearing loss in employees of “noise” industries

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (9) ◽  
pp. 947-952
Author(s):  
Elena A. Preobrazhenskaia ◽  
Anna V. Sukhova ◽  
Elena N. Kriuchkova
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Potential Risk ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Calculated Data ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Actual Risk ◽  
Real Risk ◽  
Processing Plants

Introduction. The high incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) makes it possible to attribute the problem of prevention and prediction of the risk of NIHL to the number of socially significant ones. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative assessment of the potential risk of hearing loss caused by noise according to GOST R ISO 1999-2017, and the actual risk of NIHL in workers of “noise” industries according to epidemiological research. Materials and methods. The calculation of the potential risk of hearing loss according to GOST R ISO 1999-2017 included assessing age, noise and total hearing loss at noise exposure with 85, 90, 95 and 100 dBA. The actual risk of NIHL was evaluated on survey data of 600 miners and 600 workers of processing plants. Results. The calculation of the probable risk according to GOST R ISO 1999-2017 and the assessment of the actual risk according to epidemiological studies showed that the risk of NIHL depends on both noise exposure and age. As the levels of noise affecting an employee increase, the risk of an NIHL becomes more determined by the effect of noise. At noise levels 85, 90 and 95 dBA, the probable risk calculated under GOST R ISO 1999-2017 coincides with the actual risk established according to epidemiological studies. At the same time, for miners exposed to high-intensity noise 100 dBА, the real risk was not as high as could be assumed from the calculated data. Conclusion. The results obtained allow stating that the GOST ISO 1999-2017 standard with a high degree of potential risk allows predicting the group risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure, to quantify the degree of risk and can be used for the formation of risk groups for NIHL and the development of programs for the preservation of hearing.

OCCUPATIONAL NOISE EXPOSURE, NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS, AND THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

1985 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELELYN TALBOTT ◽  
JAMES HELMKAMP ◽  
KARAN MATHEWS ◽  
LEWIS KULLER ◽  
ERIC COTTINGTON ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Blood Pressure ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure

Noise

2020 ◽  
pp. 1671-1673
Author(s):  
David Koh ◽  
Tar-Ching Aw
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Threshold Shift ◽  
Temporary Threshold Shift ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Setting ◽  
Human Ear

Noise can affect hearing in the occupational setting but can have other effects where exposures are non-occupational. For clinical purposes, noise is measured in decibels weighted according to the sensitivity of the human ear (dB(A)). Regardless of source, the effects of overexposure to noise are similar. Initially there is a temporary threshold shift, where reversibility of hearing loss is possible with removal away from further noise. Noise-induced hearing loss occurs following prolonged or intense exposure, with poor prospects for improvement of hearing. The classical audiogram for noise-induced hearing loss shows a 4 kHz dip. Non-auditory effects of prolonged noise exposure include annoyance, sleep disturbance, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, stress, and impaired cognitive performance. Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss is by reducing exposure to noise at source minimizing exposure time, using hearing protection, and participating in surveillance.

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