scholarly journals Relationship Between Subjective Reports of Temporary Threshold Shift and the Prevalence of Hearing Problems in Military Personnel

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 233121651987260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas S. Brungart ◽  
Mary E. Barrett ◽  
Jaclyn Schurman ◽  
Benjamin Sheffield ◽  
Leilani Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Subjective Measures ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Time Weighted Average ◽  
Subjective Reports ◽  
Hearing System ◽  
Relevant Outcome

Traditional hearing conservation programs are based on the premise that noise dose, as measured by the time-weighted average noise level, is the primary risk factor associated with occupational hearing loss and that permanent threshold shifts are the most relevant outcome measures for determining when a noise-related hearing loss has occurred. However, recent studies in animal models have suggested that significant neurological damage to the hearing system can occur from noise exposures even when they are not severe enough to result in permanent threshold shifts. This has led to a number of studies attempting to relate subjective measures of noise exposure to subjective measures of hearing difficulty and suprathreshold measures of hearing performance (e.g., speech-in-noise tests). In this study, 3,330 U.S. service members volunteered to complete a survey on noise exposure, subjective hearing complaints, and tinnitus in conjunction with their annual hearing tests. Two questions were also included about the frequency and duration of temporary hearing losses that may have been experienced by the service member. The results show that subjective reports of temporary threshold shifts were substantially more predictive of tinnitus and other hearing complaints than more traditional questions based on the frequency of noise exposure.

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.

What Makes a Successful Hearing Conservation Program?

AAOHN Journal ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 321-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Rogers ◽  
Denai Meyer ◽  
Carol Summey ◽  
Dawn Scheessele ◽  
Terry Atwell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Interdisciplinary Team ◽  
The United States ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Conservation Program ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Time Weighted Average

Although preventable, hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent disabilities in Western societies. In the United States, approximately 30 million individuals are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss and 22 million individuals between the ages of 20 and 69 have permanently damaged their hearing by exposure to loud sounds or noise in their environment. Both work-related and recreational noise exposure affect an individual's hearing. Legislation in 1969 and later in 1983 established standards mandating that all workers exposed to noise levels at or greater than 85 dBA time-weighted average be placed in a hearing conservation program that includes provision of hearing protective devices. This article discusses components of an effective hearing conservation program, and the roles and functions of interdisciplinary team members in making a hearing conservation program successful.

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.

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 Repeated Noise Exposure Does Not Reach Hazardous Levels During Total Joint Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (9-10) ◽  
pp. e1551-e1555
Author(s):  
Sean E Slaven ◽  
Benjamin M Wheatley ◽  
Daniel L Christensen ◽  
Sameer K Saxena ◽  
Robert J McGill
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Time Weighted Average ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Occupational Standards ◽  
Level Meter

Abstract Introduction Noise exposure is an occupational health concern for certain professions, especially military servicemembers and those using power tools on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to quantify noise exposure during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases compared to the recommended standard for occupational noise exposure. Materials and Methods A sound level meter was used to record cumulative and peak noise exposure levels in 10 primary THA and 10 primary TKA surgeries, as well as 10 arthroscopy cases as controls. Measurements at the distance of the surgeon were taken in all cases. In TKA cases, measurements were taken at 3 feet and 8 feet from the surgeon, to simulate the position of the anesthetist and circulating nurse, respectively. Results Time-weighted average was significantly higher in THA (64.7 ± 5.2 dB) and TKA (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) as compared to arthroscopic cases (51.1 ± 7.5 dB, P < 0.001) and higher at the distance of the surgeon (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) compared to the anesthetist (52.9 ± 3.8 dB) and the circulating nurse (54.8 ± 11.2 dB, P = 0.006). However, time-weighted average was below the recommended exposure level of 85 dB for all arthroplasty cases. Peak levels did not differ significantly between surgery type or staff role, and no values above the ceiling limit of 140 dB were recorded. Surgeon’s daily noise dose percentage per case was 1.78% for THA and 2.04% for TKA. Conclusion Noise exposure in THA and TKA was higher than arthroscopic cases but did not exceed occupational standards. A daily dose percentage of approximately 2% per case indicates that repeated noise exposure likely does not reach hazardous levels in modern arthroplasty practice.

scholarly journals Distorted tonotopy severely degrades neural representations of natural speech in noise following acoustic trauma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satyabrata Parida ◽  
Michael G. Heinz
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Frequency Tuning ◽  
Normal Hearing ◽  
Temporal Coding ◽  
Natural Speech ◽  
Auditory Nerve Fiber ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies

SUMMARYListeners with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) struggle to understand speech, especially in noise, despite audibility compensation. These real-world suprathreshold deficits are hypothesized to arise from degraded frequency tuning and reduced temporal-coding precision; however, peripheral neurophysiological studies testing these hypotheses have been largely limited to in-quiet artificial vowels. Here, we measured single auditory-nerve-fiber responses to a natural speech sentence in noise from anesthetized chinchillas with normal hearing (NH) or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Our results demonstrate that temporal precision was not degraded, and broader tuning was not the major factor affecting peripheral coding of natural speech in noise. Rather, the loss of cochlear tonotopy, a hallmark of normal hearing, had the most significant effects (both on vowels and consonants). Because distorted tonotopy varies in degree across etiologies (e.g., noise exposure, age), these results have important implications for understanding and treating individual differences in speech perception for people suffering from SNHL.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure and Hearing Threshold Profile among Zumba Fitness Regulars in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razali A ◽  
Othman MS ◽  
Rahman MS ◽  
Misaridin NFI
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Hearing Threshold ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Loud Noise ◽  
Abnormal Pattern ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Hearing System

INTRODUCTION: Recreational noise exposure has become a major threat to the hearing system, and this includes exposure to loud noise during group exercises such as Zumba Fitness, where loud music plays an important role. This study aimed to assess the noise exposure and hearing threshold profile among Zumba Fitness regulars in Kuantan, Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noise exposure and hearing profile threshold were measured during Zumba Fitness sessions at a fitness studio in Kuantan, Malaysia from 24th June 2014 to 12th August 2014. Noise exposure was measured using a noise dosimeter for one hour of Zumba Fitness session with a total of nine sessions run by three different instructors while sound level pressure was taken using a sound level meter during ambient, peak session and during cooling down. Thirty participants answered questionnaires and underwent pure tone diagnostic audiometry test at a local clinic for hearing threshold documentation. RESULTS: Some areas of the hall posed higher risks of causing noise-induced hearing loss especially near the amplifiers. There were periods when the hearing level exceeded 115 dBA. Early abnormal pattern could be observed in the hearing profiles of some of the participants to suggest preliminary hearing problems. CONCLUSION: Zumba Fitness regulars have a risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss and preventive steps should be properly addressed as NIHL is permanent and irreversible.

scholarly journals Noise Exposure Monitoring on the Segmental Box Girder Casting Process from a Concrete Casting Yard

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 648-653
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Control ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Box Girder ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Exposure Monitoring ◽  
Time Weighted Average ◽  
Exposure Problem ◽  
Construction Trades

Noise exposure monitoring is essential to assess noise exposure circumstances and provide a noise control plan to minimize noise exposure problems in the workplace. In Malaysia, occupational noise exposure problems have been increasing, especially in the construction industry. Hence, this study aims to investigate the noise exposure problem in a construction casting yard in Malaysia. The objectives of the study were to measure the current occupational noise exposure problem and to propose a noise control action. Field measurement was carried out at a segmented box girder casting yard under the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) construction project in Selangor, Malaysia. A total of six case studies from four different construction trades had been conducted. This study plotted noise maps and measured personal noise exposure levels for the three construction trades. The results showed that the equivalent sound level exceeded the action level of 85 dBA for these trades. Besides, the bar cutting trade with an 8-hour time-weighted average of 92.3 dBA exceeded the permissible exposure limit of 90 dBA. The noise reduction rating of the hearing protection device was evaluated, and appropriate noise control action was proposed. The proposed noise reduction rating was 32 dBA, so it is expected to reduce the time-weighted average sound level below 80 dBA for this workplace. In conclusion, the results could disseminate to construction workers to raise their risk awareness regarding the noise exposure issue in the workplace. The noise mapping information could also be used for the design of the engineering control to reduce the noise exposure level in the construction workplace.

Amplified Earmuffs

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Dolan ◽  
Dennis O’Loughlin
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Intelligibility ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
High Input ◽  
Industrial Noise ◽  
Low Input ◽  
Speech In Noise ◽  
Hearing In Noise ◽  
Noise Test

Purpose: To determine how amplified earmuffs affect the intelligibility of speech in noise for people with hearing loss, and to determine how various brands of amplified earmuffs compare in terms of speech intelligibility and electroacoustic response. Method: The Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) was used to measure the intelligibility of speech for 10 participants with hearing loss when they listened in a background of recorded industrial noise at 85 dBA. Participants listened with 3 different sets of amplified earmuffs (Peltor Tactical 7-S, Elvex COM 55, and Bilsom 707 Impact II), with a set of passive earmuffs (E-A-R Ultra 9000), and with ears unoccluded. Two measurements of sentence threshold were obtained under each of the 5 listening conditions. Gain was measured electroacoustically across a range of input levels and frequencies for each amplified earmuff. Results: Electroacoustic measurements indicated that each electronic earmuff amplified at low input levels and attenuated at high input levels. However, gain characteristics varied greatly across devices. HINT sentence thresholds were not significantly different across the 5 listening conditions or across the 2 trials. Conclusion: Results suggest that each type of earmuff can be used to reduce the noise exposure of people with hearing loss without compromising their ability to understand speech.

scholarly journals High Pressure Air Jet in the Endoscopic Preparation Room: Risk of Noise Exposure on Occupational Health

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
King-Wah Chiu ◽  
Lung-Sheng Lu ◽  
Cheng-Kun Wu
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Noise Spectrum ◽  
Residual Water ◽  
Water Droplets ◽  
Air Jet

After high-level disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes, they are hung to dry in order to prevent residual water droplets impact on patient health. To allow for quick drying and clinical reuse, some endoscopic units use a high pressure air jet (HPAJ) to remove the water droplets on the endoscopes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the excessive noise exposure with the use of HPAJ in endoscopic preparation room and to investigate the risk to occupational health. Noise assessment was taken during 7 automatic endoscopic reprocessors (AERs) and combined with/without HPAJ use over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Analytical procedures of the NIOSH and the ISO for noise-induced hearing loss were estimated to develop analytic models. The peak of the noise spectrum of combined HPAJ and 7 AERs was significantly higher than that of the 7 AERs alone (108.3±1.36versus69.3±3.93 dBA,P<0.0001). The risk of hearing loss (HL > 2.5 dB) was 2.15% at 90 dBA, 11.6% at 95 dBA, and 51.3% at 100 dBA. The odds ratio was 49.1 (95% CI: 11.9 to 203.6). The noise generated by the HPAJ to work over TWA seriously affected the occupational health and safety of those working in an endoscopic preparation room.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document