Predictors of hearing loss in New York farmers.

BACKGROUND: Data from the telephone interview portion of the New York Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance were used to study self-reported hearing loss in New York farmers. METHODS: One thousand six hundred and twenty-two persons completed the hearing loss and noise exposure interview. Hearing loss was defined as at least some trouble hearing in one or both ears. Predictors of hearing loss were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of participants reported hearing loss. From the logistic regression, significant confounders are age (P = 0.0001), gender (P = 0.0001), being from a livestock farm (P = 0.012), and loss of consciousness due to head trauma (P = 0.04). Significant noise exposures are more hours of lifetime exposure to noisy farm equipment (P = 0.001) and having had a noisy non-farm job (with some hearing protection P = 0.002, without any hearing protection P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Farm noise exposure is a serious risk to the hearing of this population. Although use of hearing protection should be encouraged, replacing and modifying farm equipment to decrease noise at the source should be the first priority.     

Audiometric notch as a sign of noise induced hearing loss

OBJECTIVES—To investigate the relation between different types of exposure to noise and a classic sign of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), the audiometric notch.METHODS—The study sample had exposure to both continuous and impulse noise and was drawn from a population of electrical transmission workers. Audiograms, taken as part of a hearing conservation programme, were read by three clinicians experienced in the assessment of NIHL. Working independently and using their clinical judgment, they were asked to identify localised increases in the threshold of hearing (audiometric notches) which they would attribute to noise, had a suitable history of exposure been elicited. Prevalent cases of NIHL were identified by the presence of a notch in either ear. Risk factors for NIHL were assessed by a questionnaire which sought information about exposure to air blast circuit breaker noise; firearms; explosions, and continuous noise. The odds of exposure to these factors in those with and without hearing loss were calculated, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by logistic regression.RESULTS—Of the 648 questionnaires sent out 357 were returned, a response rate of 55%. Of these, at least two out of the three assessors identified 175 (49%) people with a notch at any audiometric frequency. There was no association between these cases and the NIHL risk factors identified by the questionnaire, but a further frequency specific analysis showed a small proportion of people (15 (4%)) with notches at 4 kHz who had the expected associations with exposure to noise and a significant OR for firearms of 4.25 (95% CI 1.28 to 14.1). The much larger proportion of people with 6 kHz notches (110 (31%)) did not show these associations.CONCLUSIONS—To diagnose NIHL it is important to elicit a detailed and accurate history of exposure to noise: although the notch at 4 kHz is a well established clinical sign and may be valuable in confirming the diagnosis, the 6 kHz notch is variable and of limited importance.     

Hearing loss among older construction workers: Updated analyses

Background

A prior study of this construction worker population found significant noise‐associated hearing loss. This follow‐up study included a much larger study population and consideration of additional risk factors.

Methods

Data included audiometry, clinical chemistry, personal history, and work history. Qualitative exposure metrics for noise and solvents were developed. Analyses compared construction workers to an internal reference group with lower exposures and an external worker population with low noise exposure.

Results

Among participants (n = 19 127) an overall prevalence of hearing loss of 58% was observed, with significantly increased prevalence across all construction trades. Construction workers had significantly increased risk of hearing loss compared to reference populations, with increasing risk by work duration. Noise exposure, solvent exposure, hypertension, and smoking were significant risk factors in multivariate models.

Conclusions

Results support a causal relationship between construction trades work and hearing loss. Prevention should focus on reducing exposure to noise, solvents, and cigarette smoke.

     

The Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss on Dairy Farm Communities in New Zealand

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate how noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or noise injury (NI) affects individuals and others of dairy farm communities in New Zealand. Using “grab” or opportunistic sampling at DairyNZ discussion groups and a recreational function, a survey questionnaire was completed by 74 participants from two dairy farming communities in New Zealand. Self-reported hearing difficulties were highlighted by 48% (42) of the 74 participants. The effects of NI on individuals and others included communication difficulties leading to the development of coping strategies, social isolation; decreased employment opportunities, loss of productivity, and increased effort and adjustments by family and work colleagues. Frustration, anxiety, stress, resentment, depression, and fatigue are also negative consequences that may contribute to a loss of quality of life and contribute to further health costs. Increased lateness, absenteeism, sickness and other behavioral aspects were not expressed as normal issues in the workplace, as the majority of the individuals are/were self-employed or working in a family business. This study shows that each year in New Zealand NI results in significant negative social, psychological, and economic consequences for those individuals affected, along with their families, friends, and work colleagues.     

Hearing loss and perceptions of noise in the workplace among rural Australians

OBJECTIVE: To compare measured hearing levels of individuals regularly exposed to noise in their workplace to self-reported and family-reported hearing loss. To compare the attitudes and preventative actions adopted by individuals who are more aware of the potential for hearing loss to less aware individuals. DESIGN: The project examined the perceptions of rural workers concerning noise, noise exposure and hearing. The subjects completed a 'Noise at Work' questionnaire and some demographic data at the time of audiometric testing. SETTING: The subjects were recruited when attending their rural health clinic for audiometric testing. PARTICIPANTS: Participants comprised 113 men and 23 women (20-65 years, mean = 39.6, SD = 11.4) working across a range of activities at different levels in their workplaces. The range in current employment was from 0.5 to 45 years (mean = 13.8, SD = 10.7). RESULTS: Hearing tests were compared with perceptions of noise annoyance, hearing damage risk and preventative action. Self- and family-reported hearing loss and conversational difficulties in noise correlated well with measured audiograms. Perceptions of workplace noise tended to be more positive if people felt they had hearing problems. There was no difference in preventative action between those who did and did not feel they had hearing problems. Both groups rated barriers to action and lack of self-efficacy in a similar negative way. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for specific training to ensure that rural workers have skills to take more positive action in reducing noise exposure at work.     

Noise and hearing loss: a review

BACKGROUND: Noise-induced hearing loss is a major cause of deafness and hearing impairment in the United States. Though genetics and advanced age are major risk factors, temporary and permanent hearing impairments are becoming more common among young adults and children especially with the increased exposure to portable music players. Though treatment options are limited for most people with noise-related hearing loss, several modifiable health behaviors that should begin in childhood might prevent or delay the onset of hearing impairment. The purpose of this article is to review modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, comorbidity, and the role of health education in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. METHODS: Review of current literature in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of noise-induced hearing loss as well as the role of health education. RESULTS: Non-modifiable risk factors related to noise-related hearing loss include increasing age, genetics, male gender, and race. Modifiable risk factors are voluntary exposure to loud noise, nonuse of hearing protection, smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, tooth loss, and the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: As hearing impairment among children and teenagers rises due to mostly voluntary exposure to loud noise, there are many implications for health education. Health educators need to address barriers to the use of hearing protection, deliberate exposure to loud music, and other modifiable risk factors, which cause and exacerbate hearing loss among those exposed to loud noise.     

个体噪声防护的职业接触人群听力损失的剂量-反应关系研究

目的准确评价工作场所中使用个体听力防护的噪声接触人群的听力损失。方法对50家企业的3 432名接触噪声工人进行纯音听力测试并对50家接触噪声企业进行职业卫生调查。结果50家噪声接触企业进行职业流行病调查显示噪声强度(92.1±4.9)dB,累积噪声暴露量(CNE)为(103.43±6.66)dB(A).年;在3 432名接触噪声作业人员的听阈检查中,高频损失1 272人(37.06%),语频损失133人(3.88%);高频和语频损失的发生率随累积噪声强度的增大而增大,其发生率与CNE存在剂量-反应关系(P<0.01)。结论高频和语频的发生率随累积噪声强度的增大而增大,呈剂量-反应关系。     

听力损失婴儿的听力监测

[目的]了解听力损失婴儿的听力变化趋势,为正确有效干预提高依据. [方法]对101例(173耳)3个月内初次听性脑千反应(auditory brainstem response,ABR)疑为听力损失的婴儿在3个月后进行ABR追踪复查.[结果]第1次ABR检查,平均阈值(50.91±14.46)dBnHL,第2次ABR检查,平均阈值降为(39.57±19.74)dBnHL,差异有统计学意义.有121耳周值减低,29耳不变,23耳增加,轻中度者分级程度转为正常78耳,占45.1%,8例9耳分级程度加重,极重度者阈值基本未改变.[结论]对于初次听力诊断疑为轻中度听力损失者,应进行每3个月1次的听力学监测和跟踪随访,重度以上的听力损失者3月龄的早期诊断和6月龄的早期干预是可行.     

Is occupational noise exposure during pregnancy a risk factor of damage to the auditory system of the fetus?

In the Province of Quebec, the regulated daily noise exposure limit is 90 dBA-8h. This limit value also applies to pregnant women. Experimental studies suggest however, that this standard is not sufficiently stringent to protect the auditory system of the fetus, particularly in cases of low-frequency noise exposure. An exploratory study was undertaken to assess this possibility. A total of 131 children were examined. Their mothers had worked, while pregnant with that child, in noise conditions ranging from 65 to 95 dBA-8h. Results show a three-fold increase in the risk of having a high-frequency hearing loss in the children whose mothers were exposed to noise in the range between a LAeq,9 m of 85 to 95 dB, and a significant increase in the risk of hearing loss at a frequency of 4000 Hz when these exposures involved a strong component of low-frequency noise.     

Dog noise as a risk factor for hearing loss among police dog handlers

AIM: To determine the sources of noise exposure among police dog handlers and to examine whether these levels might lead to noise-induced hearing loss. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at four Royal Air Force bases using a noise survey, a postal questionnaire and medical record review. The noise survey was conducted following task analysis. We surveyed police dog handlers and a comparison group of police who had never been dog handlers, using a postal questionnaire on noise exposures and confounders. Audiometric and otological data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: The noise survey revealed significant exposures due to dogs, travelling in vans and aircraft noise during foot patrol. The overall response rate to the questionnaire was 56% (29 police dog handlers, 24 police officers). Five subjects (9.4%) had age-corrected hearing loss exceeding 10 dB, averaged over the 4 and 6 kHz frequencies, affecting the left ear only, but there were no differences between dog handlers and controls. CONCLUSION: Although the measured noise exposures of police dog handlers did not exceed current legal limits, the noise levels at times are such that the proposed Physical Agents (Noise) Directive has implications for employers who use dogs for security purposes.     

职业噪声暴露与吸烟联合作用对听力影响的研究进展

职业噪声暴露所导致的职业性听力损伤是世界范围内的主要职业性疾病，但噪声并不是引起职业性听力损伤的惟一因素。研究发现吸烟也是听力损伤的重要危险因子之一，吸烟可能通过损伤内耳毛细胞及导致内耳组织缺氧加重噪声暴露所导致的听力损伤。     

低频噪声致听力损伤职业病鉴定一例

职业性噪声聋是人们在工作过程中，由于长期接触噪声而导致的一种进行性的感音性听觉损伤。噪声引起的永久性听阈位移早期常表现为高频听力下降，随着病损程度加重，逐步影响到语言频段听力。工业噪声一般为混合型噪声或高频噪声，单纯接触低频噪声较少。本文报道接触高强度低频噪声致听力下降职业病鉴定一例。     

Need for Hearing Loss Prevention for Agricultural Aerial Application Service Personnel

ABSTRACT

Agricultural aerial applicator services utilize fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters which generate noise levels that may produce noise-induced hearing loss in the pilots and support personnel. Cockpit noise levels (L_eq) ranged from 98 to 110 dBA. Pilot noise doses for fixed-wing aircraft averaged 954? and helicopters averaged 407?. The hearing sensitivity of 12 pilots were worse than would be predicated for individuals in a non-noise exposed environment. It is recommended that all pilots working in agricultural aerial applications be included in an effective hearing conservation program. Some support personnel (chemical handlers) might also be at risk and should be considered for the program.     

飞机噪声引起的永久性听力变化

本文报告了在飞机噪声100～130dB(A)条件下工作的410名不同工龄机务人员的听力损伤。结果表明,机务人员的听力损伤严重,且随着工龄的延长而加重。其中高频听力损失占46.1％,噪声性耳聋占6.1％,与对照组相比,各频率的听力均值显著提高。值得提出的是机务人员高频听力损失的“V”形凹点不是在4kHz,而是在6kHz,由此我们认为,以前关于4kHz凹陷形成的理论有待商榷。