scholarly journals Prevalence of Hearing Loss in Military Aviators: The Audiometry and Risk Factors Analysis

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
MR Alam ◽  
MA Wahab ◽  
MM Rahman ◽  
AKM Asaduzzaman ◽  
MAS Al-Azad ◽  
...  

Introduction: Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is an occupational health hazard linked with noise exposure of more than 85 dB. Aircraft noise and other occupational noise exposure cause military aviators more susceptible to NIHL than commercial jet pilots. Aim: To find out the prevalence of noise induced hearing loss among different military aircrew population with special emphasis on identifying the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on Kuwait Air force pilots those who came for annual medical checkup from July 2010 to July 2012. Audiometry of all subjects was done by ENT specialist and necessary data were collected by structured questionnaires. All data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 17.0 Results: Out of 221 aircrew 32 (14.48%) developed NIHL. Hearing loss was mild to moderate and predominately at high frequencies. Most affected group was helicopter pilots. Pilots of more than 40 years of age and those who had more than 1000 flying hours had mean hearing threshold more than other groups. The right ear was affected in majority of cases than left ear. Conclusion: Noise exposure to aircrew is inevitable so hearing loss prevention strategies might play a pivotal role to save aircrew hearing. Active surveillance of hearing protection practices might have beneficiary effect. Steps can be taken for early detection of NIHL and hearing conservation program. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i1.18721 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(1) 2013: 19-24

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qixuan Wang ◽  
Xueling Wang ◽  
Lu Yang ◽  
Kun Han ◽  
Zhiwu Huang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Significant sex differences exist in hearing physiology, while few human studies have investigated sex differences in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and the sex bias in previous studies resulted in inadequate female data. The study aims to investigate sex differences in the characteristics of NIHL to provide insight into sex-specific risk factors, prevention strategies and treatment for NIHL. Methods This cross-sectional study included 2280 industrial noise-exposed shipyard workers (1140 males and 1140 females matched for age, job and employment length) in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured to calculate the cumulative noise exposure (CNE), and an audiometric test was performed by an experienced technician in a soundproof booth. Sex differences in and influencing factors of low-frequency (LFHL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) were analyzed using logistic regression models stratified by age and CNE. Results At comparable noise exposure levels and ages, the prevalence of HFHL was significantly higher in males (34.4%) than in females (13.8%), and males had a higher prevalence of HFHL (OR = 4.19, 95% CI 3.18 to 5.52) after adjusting for age, CNE, and other covariates. Sex differences were constant and highly remarkable among subjects aged 30 to 40 years and those with a CNE of 80 to 95 dB(A). Alcohol consumption might be a risk factor for HFHL in females (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 8.89). Conclusions This study indicates significant sex differences in NIHL. Males are at higher risk of HFHL than females despite equivalent noise exposure and age. The risk factors for NIHL might be different in males and females.


2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (Suppl-3) ◽  
pp. S607-11
Author(s):  
Muhammad Javid Iqbal Pattafi ◽  
Nazia Mumtaz ◽  
Ghulam Saqulain

Objective: To determine the frequency and risk factors of occupational noise induced hearing loss. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Dispensary Unit of Jaith Bhuta Sugar Mill near Rahim Yar Khan, Southern Punjab.from Aug 2017 to Jan 2018. Methodology: This study was conducted using nonprobability consecutive sampling. n=300 workers of bothgenders aged 18-40 years were assessed. Basic demographic parameters, otoscopic examination and Pure Tone Audiometry were used for data collection. The Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results: Study included 215 (71.7%) males and 85 (28.3%) females with male to female ratio of 2.53: 1 and meanage of 28.34 ± 4.61 years. The frequency rate of hearing impairment (HI) was 90 (30%) out of 300 respondents inthis study. Out of 70 (100%) of respondents were affected with duration of job of 6-10 years. There was significant association between gender, age, education, duration of noise exposure with occupational noise induced hearing loss with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: There was high frequency of occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) with significantrisk factors being level and duration of exposure to noise (ETN), age, gender, education and hearing protectivedevices (HPD)’s.


e-CliniC ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidy Febrian Raintung ◽  
Steward K. Mengko ◽  
Julied Dehoop

Abstract: Hearing loss is the inability of a person’s sense of hearing in listening range of sound that can still be heard by people with normal hearing. With the growing popularity of entertainment venues (discos, karaoke, music concerts, internet cafes, etc.) as well as the use of portable music player, leisure noise have become the primary source that causing increased incidence of adolescent noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Attitudes towards noise needs to be assessed at a young age, this is because the attittude is the basis of behavior, and behavior (towards leisure noise) can affect the amount of noise exposure of each person. Chronicity of NIHL symptoms often make adolescent tends to ignore the serious long-term problem that can arise and not take steps to resolve it. Objective: The purpose of this study is to obtain data from students of Manado 2nd Vocational Senior Secondary School concerning attitudes towards noise. Method: This research used descriptive observational with cross-sectional study. The subjects are students of Stone Concrete’s majors in Manado 2nd Vocational  Senior Secondary Schoolthat have passed initial hearing screening. Result: Of the 20 respondents who willingly take part in this research, obtained 5 respondents (25%) had negative attitude, 10 respondents (50%) had neutral attitude, and 5 respondents (25%) had positive attitude. From audiometric examination, obtained 4 respondents had a mild decreased in hearing threshold. Of the 4 respondents, 2 (50%) of them had a neutral attitude and 2 other respondents (50%) had positive attitude. Conclusion: Respondents with positive attitude towards noise are vulnurable to hearing threshold changes caused by daily noise exposure.Keywords: adolescent, hearing, noise, attitudes towards noise     Abstrak: Gangguan pendengaran merupakan ketidakmampuan indra pendengaran seseorang dalam mendengarkan rentang suara yang masih dapat didengar oleh orang dengan pendengaran normal. Semakin berkembangnya popularitas dari tempat-tempat hiburan (diskotik, karaoke, konser musik, warung internet, dan lain sebagainya) serta penggunaan pemutar musik portabel telah menjadi sumber peningkatan angka kejadian gangguan pendengaran akibat bising (GPAB) pada usia muda. Sikap terhadap kebisingan perlu dinilai pada usia muda, hal ini dikarenakan sikap merupakan dasar dalam berperilaku, dan perilaku (terhadap kebisingan sosial) dapat mempengaruhi derajat paparan bising masing-masing orang. Kronisitas dari gejala (GPAB) membuat kaum muda kurang menanggapi serius masalah-masalah jangka panjang yang dapat ditimbulkan, serta mengambil langkah untuk mengatasinya. Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh data sikap terhadap kebisingan pada siswa sekolah menengah kejuruan (SMK) Negeri 2 Manado. Metode Penelitian:Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif observasional dengan menggunakan metode cross-sectional. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa jurusan Teknik Konstruksi Batu Beton (TKBB) SMK Negeri 2 Manado yang sudah melewati screening pendengaran awal. Hasil: Dari 20 responden yang bersedia menjadi responden penelitian, didapatkan 5 responden (25%) mempunyai sikap negatif, 10 responden (50%) mempunyai sikap netral, dan 5 responden (25%) mempunyai sikap positif. Dari pemeriksaan audiometrik, didapatkan 4 responden mengalami penurunan ambang dengar derajat ringan. Dari 4 responden tersebut, 2 (50%) diantaranya mempunyai sikap netral dan 2 responden (50%) mempunyai sikap positif. Simpulan: Responden yang bersikap positif terhadap bising (pro-bising) rentan terhadap terjadinya perubahan ambang dengar yang akibatkan oleh paparan kebisingan sehari-hari.Kata kunci: usia muda, pendengaran, bising, sikap terhadap kebisingan


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Kwame R. Gyamfi ◽  
Isaac Amankwaa ◽  
Frank Owusu Sekyere ◽  
Daniel Boateng

Introduction.Although quarry operations have high economic significance, the effects they cause to the workers in terms of excessive noise production cannot be overlooked. This cross-sectional study assessed the extent of noise exposure and its influence on hearing capabilities among quarry workers in Ashanti region.Methods. The study involved 400 workers randomly selected from five quarries in Ashanti region from April to June 2012. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, physical examination, and audiological assessments. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess independent predictors of hearing loss.Results. All the machines used at the various quarries produced noise that exceeded the minimum threshold with levels ranging from 85.5 dBA to 102.7 dBA. 176 (44%) of study respondents had hearing threshold higher than 25 dBA. 18% and 2% of these were moderately (41–55 dBA) and severely (71–90 dBA) impaired, respectively. Age, duration of work, and use of earplugs independently predicted the development of hearing loss. Use of earplugs showed a protective effect on the development of hearing loss (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.84).Conclusion.This study provides empirical evidence on the extent of damage caused to quarry workers as a result of excessive noise exposure. This will support the institution of appropriate protective measures to minimize this threat.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boshen Wang ◽  
Lei Han ◽  
Simin Dai ◽  
Xiuting Li ◽  
Wenyan Cai ◽  
...  

Objectives. This study investigated the hearing loss characteristics among occupational noise exposure workers with hypertension and the link between hypertension and hearing loss when exposed to occupational noise. Methods. A total of 267,766 occupational noise-exposed workers were enrolled, including 29,868 workers with hypertension and 240,165 without hypertension. Hypertension was diagnosed according to WHO criteria. Hypertension was classified into four grades based on blood pressure. Assessment of hearing was performed through measurement of an unadulterated tone threshold at different frequencies, which ranged between 250 and 8,000 Hz. Results. A substantial link was observed to exist between hypertension and the increment in the hearing limit. The increase in the hearing threshold was substantially higher among those having grade 2 hypertension. Conclusion. The current investigation suggested patients with hypertension exhibit a substantial rise in hearing loss in comparison with patients without hypertension. The rise in hearing loss was significant in patients with grade 2 hypertension. Efficient and practicable measures are required to decrease the hearing loss in workers with hypertension and work-related noise exposure.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Maesyara Adinda Sari ◽  
Adlin Adnan ◽  
Delfitri Munir ◽  
Putri Chairani Eyanoer

Latar belakang: Paparan bising dapat mengakibatkan kerusakan pada organ korti, dan menurunkan aliran darah koklea yang mengakibatkan hipoksia koklea. Merokok diketahui sebagai ototoksik langsung dan pemicu iskemia koklea. Kebiasaan merokok dan paparan bising secara sendiri ataupun secara bersama-sama dapat menyebabkan gangguan pendengaran. Tujuan: Mengetahui hubungan merokok terhadap kejadian gangguan pendengaran akibat bising (GPAB). Metode: Penelitian analitik dengan pendekatan potong lintang. Hasil: Dari 122 pekerja, didapati sebanyak 89,3% pekerja mengalami GPAB. Tuli ringan paling banyak ditemukan (68,8%). Didapatkan adanya hubungan yang signifikan antara tipe perokok dengan derajat beratnya GPAB (p=0,000). Kemungkinan pekerja yg merokok untuk mengalami GPAB 1,224 kali lebih besar dibandingkan dengan pekerja yang tidak merokok (PR=1,224, p=0,002, CI 95%=1,077–1,392). Kesimpulan: Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kebiasaan merokok dengan kejadian GPAB.Kata kunci: Merokok, gangguan pendengaran, gangguan pendengaran akibat bising, bising lingkungan kerja ABSTRACT Introduction: Noise exposure can lead to the organ of corti damage, and decrease the blood flow to the cochlea resulting in cochlear hypoxia. Cigarette smoking could be ototoxic to cochlea, and could evoke cochlear ischemia. Cigarette smoking habit and noise exposure, each or together can cause hearing loss. Objective: To identify the correlation between cigarette smoking and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Method: Analytic with a cross-sectional study. Results: From the 122 workers, we found that the proportion of NIHL was 89.3%. Mild deafness was most common (68.8%). We found that there was a significant correlation between type of smokers and grade of hearing loss (p=0.000). Workers who smoked likely to undergo NIHL 1.224 times greater than nonsmokers (PR=1.224, p=0.002, CI 95%=1.077–1.392). Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between cigarette smoking habit and noise induced hearing loss.Keywords : Cigarette smoking, hearing loss, noise induced hearing loss, occupational noise exposure


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (05) ◽  
pp. 1022-1026
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saleem Sheikh ◽  
Shahla Majeed ◽  
Salman Ali

Objectives: Occupational noise induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is considered an important reason responsible for disability around the world. As industrial workers are frequently exposed to occupational noise, sensorineural hearing loss (SNIHL) is commonly found in this set of population. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in industrial workers of Multan. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: 16th April 2018 to 15th October 2018. Material & Methods: A total of 316 industrial workers of age 25-65 years and both genders were included. Audiometric testing was performed in a sound free room where calibrated digital audiometer ALPS AD 2100 was used. Hearing threshold was obtained for both ears at 250-8 kHz. NIHL was noted. Results: Mean age was 45.56 ± 10.95 years. Most patients, 170 (53.80%) were 25-45 years of age. There were 188 (59.49%) male and 128 (40.51%) female. Mean duration of experience was 11.14 ± 5.86 years. NIHL was found in 95 (30.06%) patients. Conclusion: Frequency of NIHL among industrial workers is high. Factory owners and workers should consider adopting preventive and safety measures to control noise induced hearing loss.


2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 043-047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Fonseca ◽  
Jair Marques ◽  
Flavio Panegalli ◽  
Claudia Gonçalves ◽  
Wesley Souza

Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious problem for workers and therefore for businesses. The hearing conservation program (HCP) is a set of coordinated measures to prevent the development or evolution of occupational hearing loss, which involves a continuous and dynamic process of implementation of hearing conservation routines through anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and subsequent control of the occurrence of existing environmental risks or of those that may exist in the workplace and lead to workers' hearing damage. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP in preventing further hearing loss in workers with audiograms suggestive of NIHL. The audiometric tests and medical records of 28 furniture company workers exposed to noise were reviewed and monitored for 2 years. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional study examined five audiometric tests in the medical records (on admission and every semester) of 28 workers in a furniture company (totaling 140 audiometric exams) following the introduction of the HCP. Results Data analysis showed no differences between the audiometric tests conducted on admission and those performed every semester. Conclusions The HCP implemented was effective in preventing the worsening of hearing loss in workers already with NIHL when exposed to occupational noise. Therefore, such a measure could be useful for the employment of workers with hearing loss in job sectors that have noise exposure.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 790-796 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taiana Pacheco Falcão ◽  
Ronir Raggio Luiz ◽  
Gabriel Eduardo Schütz ◽  
Márcia Gomide da Silva Mello ◽  
Volney de Magalhães Câmara

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the audiometric profile of civilian pilots according to the noise exposure level. METHODS This observational cross-sectional study evaluated 3,130 male civilian pilots aged between 17 and 59 years. These pilots were subjected to audiometric examinations for obtaining or revalidating the functional capacity certificate in 2011. The degree of hearing loss was classified as normal, suspected noise-induced hearing loss, and no suspected hearing loss with other associated complications. Pure-tone air-conduction audiometry was performed using supra-aural headphones and acoustic stimulus of the pure-tone type, containing tone thresholds of frequencies between 250 Hz and 6,000 Hz. The independent variables were professional categories, length of service, hours of flight, and right or left ear. The dependent variable was pilots with suspected noise-induced hearing loss. The noise exposure level was considered low/medium or high, and the latter involved periods > 5,000 flight hours and > 10 years of flight service. RESULTS A total of 29.3% pilots had suspected noise-induced hearing loss, which was bilateral in 12.8% and predominant in the left ear (23.7%). The number of pilots with suspected hearing loss increased as the noise exposure level increased. CONCLUSIONS Hearing loss in civilian pilots may be associated with noise exposure during the period of service and hours of flight.


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