scholarly journals Patterns of noise exposure and prevalence of hearing loss amongst Cape Town Minstrel Carnival musicians

Author(s):  
Lebogang Ramma

Background: Cape Town Minstrel Carnival is one of the oldest and most authentic indigenous New Year’s customs in South Africa. Musicians who perform at this carnival are exposed to excessively loud music and therefore at a risk of acquiring noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).Objectives: This study aimed to determine patterns of exposure to loud music and prevalence of hearing loss amongst Cape Town Minstrel Carnival musicians.Method: A descriptive, observational exploratory survey design was used and 43 participants (21 males and 22 females; mean age, 21 ± 9 years) took part in this study. Sound level measurements were conducted to assess musicians’ sound exposure during rehearsals and performances. All participants underwent the following audiological test battery at least 2 h before music exposure: Case history, otoscopic examination, tympanometry, pure tone audiometry and distortion products otoacoustic emission (DPOAE).Results: Average noise levels recorded were 86 dBA during rehearsals and 98.7 dBA at performances and average durations of exposure were 240 and 10 min at rehearsals and performances, respectively. One out of 43 (1/43) participants presented with sensorineural hearing loss. Audiometric results of the remaining participants were normal and did not show a pattern suggestive of NIHL. A high proportion of participants (21/43) reported experiencing tinnitus.Conclusion: Despite being exposed to high levels of noise, there was a low prevalence of hearing loss amongst these musicians. However, a high proportion of them reported tinnitus, which could be an indication that they were at a high risk of NIHL from the music that they played.

2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (10) ◽  
pp. 952-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Goyal ◽  
P P Singh ◽  
A Vashishth

AbstractObjectives:This study aimed to: understand the effect that high intensity noise associated with drilling (during otological surgery) has on hearing in the contralateral ear; determine the nature of hearing loss, if any, by establishing whether it is temporary or persistent; and examine the association between hearing loss and various drill parameters.Methods:A prospective clinical study was carried out at a tertiary centre. Thirty patients with unilateral cholesteatoma and normal contralateral hearing were included. Patients were evaluated pre-operatively and for five days following surgery using high frequency pure tone audiometry, and low and high frequency transient evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emission testing.Results:The findings revealed statistically significant changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions at high frequencies (p = 0.016), and in transient evoked otoacoustic emissions at both low and high frequencies (p = 0.035 and 0.021, respectively). There was a higher statistical association between otoacoustic emission changes and cutting burrs compared with diamond burrs.Conclusion:Drilling during mastoid surgery poses a threat to hearing in the contralateral ear due to noise and vibration conducted transcranially.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Diana Kusuma Wardhani ◽  
Jojok Mukono Mukono

Introduction: As one of the preferred modes of land transportation, the frequency of train services was very high. One of the negative impacts arising from train activity was noise. The high noise intensity of the train causes hearing loss. Method: This study aims to analyze the differences in the incidence of hearing loss in 2 groups of residents in Turirejo Lawang Malang. This research used the observational method and the data were analyzed descriptive qualitative. A total of 20 people were selected as respondents by purposive sampling. Noise intensity was measured by Sound Level Meter and audiometric measurements were examined at SIMA Malang Laboratory. Result and Discussion: The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss was more common in residents whose homes at 3-7 m away from the railroad tracks. In addition, residents who lived at least 15 years at a distance of 3-7 m also experienced more hearing loss. One cause of hearing loss is due to exposure to high noise and for a long time and will damage the hair cells in the cochlea, causing hearing loss. If noise exposure continues and for a long period of time damage to hair cells will be permanent and cannot return to normal. Conclusion: There needs to be a policy from the government in determining the minimum limit of the distance of the house to the railroad tracks. In addition, it is necessary to install a barrier near people’s homes to reduce noise.


2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 2553-2561 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Consuelo Martínez-Wbaldo ◽  
Claudia Soto-Vázquez ◽  
Ivonne Ferre-Calacich ◽  
Elizabeth Zambrano-Sánchez ◽  
Lucía Noguez-Trejo ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to measure the frequency of hearing loss in a sample of typical public high-school students exposed to recreational noise, and determine associated risk factors. The sample was made up of 214 teenagers from a high-school in Mexico City; subjects were selected randomly per strata. We applied a questionnaire to identify risk factors for hearing loss and performed a battery of audiologic tests consisting of otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone audiometry. The mean age of the sample was 16 ± 1.07 years; 73% were male and 27%, female. Hearing loss was found in 21% of students. The main hearing loss-related risk factor was exposure to recreational noise: frequent attendance at discotheques and pop-music concerts; use of personal stereos; and noise exposure in school workshops. The high frequency of hearing loss in high school students from one Mexico City school (nearly one fifth of the sample) was found to be related to noise exposure mainly during recreational activities.


2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Foluwasayo E. Ologe ◽  
Emmanuel O. Okoro ◽  
Tanimola M. Akande

We studied the level of music loudness to which operators of music recording/retail centre were exposed in order to determine their risk of work-related hearing loss. A survey of consenting operators of music recording centres on six main streets selected by simple random sampling at different locations of the town was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The sound level of the music from the music player speakers in each centre was measured using a sound level meter (Testo 815) duly calibrated with a sound level meter calibrator (Testo 0554.0009). Results were analyzed by simple descriptive statistics. The study involved 79 mainly male young adults aged 27.7 ± 6.8 years (SD). The measured sound levels in the centres ranged from 86-104dBA; with a mean of 96 ± 2.5dBA(SD). Exposure to this music loudness was for an average of 9 hours daily for an employment period averaging about 5 years. Thirty percent of the study population reduced music loudness by turning down the volume; 6.3% sat at six or more metres from the speakers; 10% used ear plugs occasionally and 7.6% had hearing assessment at some stage prior to the present study. The level of noise exposure of this population of young males is in excess of the threshold associated with irreversible hearing loss, and protection measures were less than optimal.


2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (12) ◽  
pp. 1174-1181 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Wooles ◽  
M Mulheran ◽  
P Bray ◽  
M Brewster ◽  
A R Banerjee

AbstractObjective:To examine whether distortion product otoacoustic emissions can serve as a replacement for pure tone audiometry in longitudinal screening for occupational noise exposure related auditory deficit.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of pure tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emission data obtained sequentially during mandatory screening of brickyard workers (n = 16). Individual pure tone audiometry thresholds were compared with distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes, and a correlation of these measurements was conducted.Results:Pure tone audiometry threshold elevation was identified in 13 out of 16 workers. When distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes were compared with pure tone audiometry thresholds at matched frequencies, no evidence of a robust relationship was apparent. Seven out of 16 workers had substantial distortion product otoacoustic emissions with elevated pure tone audiometry thresholds.Conclusion:No clinically relevant predictive relationship between distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitude and pure tone audiometry threshold was apparent. These results do not support the replacement of pure tone audiometry with distortion product otoacoustic emissions in screening. Distortion product otoacoustic emissions at frequencies associated with elevated pure tone audiometry thresholds are evidence of intact outer hair cell function, suggesting that sites distinct from these contribute to auditory deficit following ototrauma.


Open Medicine ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlina Gidikova ◽  
Gospodinka Prakova ◽  
Petar Ruev ◽  
Gergana Sandeva

AbstractPure tone audiometry screening and ear examinations were conducted among 138 males working as machine and equipment operators occupationally exposed to intermittent noise of 85 to 105 dBA. Hearing loss up to 30 dB (preserved socially adequate hearing) was found in 25 workers. The hearing impairment was confirmed by distortion products of otoacoustic emissions measurements. A sharp increase in the frequency of cases can be found among the workers with service length over 10 years. While the frequency of the cases among workers with service length below 10 years is 5.45%, it is 26.5% among the subjects with service length over 10 years, with a gradual increase as a result of the increase in exposure duration. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) was found between the frequency of hearing impairment among the workers and the years of exposure to excessive noise levels. Some measures for preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss were suggested.


2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Βασίλειος Ψαλτάκος

Although several reports exist concerning the occurrence of hearing loss in patients withdisorders of thyroid function, there are still several unsettled issues, such as theincidence and the severity of hearing impairment, the anatomic site of the auditorypathway involved, and the possible pathogenetic mechanisms. Both congenitalhypothyroidism and environmentally based iodine deficiency are established causes ofhearing loss in humans and rodents. Congenital thyroid deficiency in humans can resultin a profound, hearing deficit, which may be prevented by early hormonal replacementtreatment in infants with hypothyroidism. However, the effect of acute or chronichypothyroidism in adults has not been adequately studied, and most information hasbeen obtained from animal experiments, whereas research in humans has been basicallybased on behavioral audiometry. The use of otoacoustic emissions may provide moreinsight into the hearing function of these patients than pure-tone audiometry, since it isconsidered as a sensitive test of the cochlear status. The aim of this study was toevaluate the hearing in a group of patients with acute hypothyroidism, using bothconventional audiometry and transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). Material and methods:A group of 52 patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy wasstudied prospectively, All patients were examined before surgery and 6-8 weekspostoperatively. During this period there was no replacement with levothyroxine and themagnitude of thyroxin depletion was monitored by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. On preoperative encounter with each patient, a detailed questionnaire of historyof hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, previous ear infections, noise exposure, medications,and recent upper respiratory tract infection was completed. Patients were excluded ifthey were older than 50 years, in order to avoid the phenomenon of presbycusis, or ifthey had a history of cochleovestibular, vascular or neurologic disease, or any other riskfactor for hearing impairment. Pure-tone audiometry, tympanometry and transientlyevoked otoacoustic emissions were performed. A group of healthy volunteers of similarage and sex were used for comparison.Results:(1) Tympanograms were normal, either on initial testing (75%) or on repeat testing(25%).(2) Audiometry showed elevation of all postoperative hearing thresholds, whereas thethresholds varied significantly across frequency.(3) TEOAE testing showed response signal to noise ratios lower in the postoperativesession (hypothyroid state) than in the preoperative session on all measured frequencies.(4) Emission levels varied significantly across frequency, with maximum responseobserved at 2 kHz.(5) Comparison of significant pure-tone and otoacoustic emission shifts for individualears showed more ears affected in otoacoustic emission testing, indicating subclinicalcochlear involvement.(6) Comparison of hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emission levels between patientsand controls showed significant differences on postoperative testing. Conclusions:Acute hypothyroidism in adults causes elevation of hearing thresholds and reducedotoacoustic emissions. The effect on otoacoustic emissions is greater, indicatingsubclinical damage of the cochlear function.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-111
Author(s):  
Rohmatullah Subekti ◽  
Muyassaroh Muyassaroh ◽  
Zulfikar Naftali

Latar belakang: Kebisingan di tempat kerja seringkali menjadi problem bagi tenaga kerja. Paparan bising dapat menyebabkan gangguan auditori yaitu noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) dan gangguan non auditori berupa gangguan kejiwaan seperti depresi, kecemasan serta stress. Tujuan: Untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kebisingan terhadap kejadian gangguan pendengaran dan kejiwaan pada pekerja terpapar bising. Metode: Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitik dengan design belah lintang. Tingkat kebisingan diukur dengan menggunakan alat sound level meter (SLM), gangguan pendengaran dinilai dari hasil audiometri, gangguan kejiwaan dinilai dari jawaban kuesioner Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS 42) dari WHO. Analisis data dengan uji chi square. Hasil : Data yang didapatkan dari 326 sampel menunjukkan bahwa 179 (54.9%) subjek mempunyai masa kerja lebih dari 10 tahun dan 147 (45.1%) subjek mempunyai masa kerja kurang dari 10 tahun. Sebanyak 51 (15.6%) pekerja mengalami NIHL dan 154 (47.2%) pekerja mengalami gangguan jiwa. Terdapat hubungan antara lama paparan bising (P= 0.000) dan intensitas kebisingan (P= 0.022) terhadap kejadian NIHL, dan intensitas kebisingan terhadap derajat keparahan depresi (P= 0.007) Kesimpulan: Lama paparan dan intensitas bising berhubungan dengan gangguan pendengaran sedangkan intensitas bising berhubungan dengan derajat keparahan depresi. Dibandingkan dengan intensitas bising, lama paparan bising mempunyai hubungan yang lebih besar terhadap kejadian NIHL. Kata kunci : Kebisingan, NIHL, depresi, ansietas, stres   Background: Noise can raise significant issues in the workplaces. It can affect either auditory disturbance called Noise Induce Hearing Loss (NIHL) or non-auditory disturbance involving psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress. Objective: To examine the relationship between noise in the workplace and the incidence of hearing impairment and psychiatric disorders. Method: The study design is analitic desciptive with cross-sectional approach. The noise level was measured with sound-level-metre (SLM), hearing disorders was assessed with audiometric and psychiatric disorder was assessed with Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS 42). The data were analized with chi square. Results : A total of 326 workers were sampled during this study showing that  179 (54.9%) workers have worked over 10 years and 179 (54.9%) workers have worked less than 10 years. It was found that 51 (15.6%) workers suffered from NHIL and 154 (47.2%) workers suffered from mental disorders. A significant relationship was found between the incidence of NIHL and years of noise exposure (P= 0.000) and noise intensity (P= 0.022). A significant relationship was found between noise intensity and depression severity (P= 0.007) Conclusion: The years of noise exposure and noise intensity were related to haring disorders. The noise intensity were related to the depression severity. In comparison with noise intensity, a stronger relationship was found between years of noise exposure and the incidence of NIHL. Keywords : Noise, NIHL, depression, anxiety, stress


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razali A ◽  
Othman MS ◽  
Rahman MS ◽  
Misaridin NFI

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
Ghulam Saqulain ◽  
Gul Zahra ◽  
Nazia Mumtaz

Background: Presbycusis is related to degenerative changes of aging resulting from deficient cochlear microcirculation. It is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical, sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in which recruitment and speech discrimination is affected in the absence of noise exposure. The objective of this study was to analyze the pure tone audiogram characteristics in Presbycusis. Methods: This descriptive study recruited n=192 cases of presbycusis of both genders, aged 50 to 80 years with convenience sampling technique. The study was conducted at Yusra General Hospital and the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad from1st July 2017 to 30th September 2017. Pure tone audiometry was used to collect audiometric data. SPSS-24 was used for data analysis. Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine association between variables with p < 0.05 taken as significant. Results: Pure tone audiometry revealed 58 (30.2%) right and 65 (33.9%) left ears with high frequency gently sloping audiogram, while the second commonest configuration being high frequency steeply sloping curve in 51(26.6%) right and 52(27.1%) left ears. There was a significant correlation between the configuration of the audiogram and age with p=0.000, while no significant correlation with gender (p=0.71). The majority,77 (40.10%) right and 71(36.98%) of left ears had moderately severe hearing loss, while severe hearing loss was second commonest with 60(31.25%) right and 70(36.46%) left ears affected. The severity of hearing loss had a significant (P=0.000) positive correlation with age but no significant relationship with gender. Conclusion:  High frequency gently sloping audiogram was the commonest configuration followed by high frequency steeply sloping curve. Moderately severe hearing loss was most commonly seen followed by severe hearing loss.


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