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Exposure to loud sound during leisure time is identified as a significant risk factor for hearing by health authorities worldwide. The current standard that defines unsafe exposure rests on the equal-energy hypothesis, according to which the maximum recommended exposure is a tradeoff between level and daily exposure duration, a satisfactory recipe except for strongly non-Gaussian intense sounds such as gunshots. Nowadays, sound broadcast by music and videoconference streaming services makes extensive use of numerical dynamic range compression. By filling in millisecond-long valleys in the signal to prevent competing noise from masking, it pulls sound-level statistics away from a Gaussian distribution, the framework where the equal-energy hypothesis emerged. Auditory effects of a single 4 hour exposure to the same music were compared in two samples of guinea pigs exposed either to its original or overcompressed version played at the same average level of 102 dBA allowed by French regulations. Apart from a temporary shift of otoacoustic emissions at the lowest two frequencies 2 and 3 kHz, music exposure had no detectable cochlear effect, as monitored at 1, 2 and 7 days post-exposure. Conversely, middle-ear muscle strength behaved differentially as the group exposed to original music had fully recovered one day after exposure whereas the group exposed to overcompressed music remained stuck to about 50% of baseline even after 7 days. Subsamples were then re-exposed to the same music as the first time and sacrificed for density measurements of inner-hair-cell synapses. No difference in synaptic density was found compared to unexposed controls with either type of music. The present results show that the same music piece, harmless when played in its original version, induces a protracted deficit of one auditory neural pathway when overcompressed at the same level. The induced disorder does not seem to involve inner-hair cell synapses., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no competing interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We aimed to assess the association between occupational noise exposure and tinnitus. Further, to assess whether the association depends on hearing status., Design: In this cross-sectional study, tinnitus (>1 h daily) was regressed on job exposure matrix (JEM)-based or self-reported occupational noise exposure, adjusted for confounders., Study Sample: The 14,945 participants (42% men, 20-59 years) attended a population-based study in Norway (HUNT4, 2017-2019)., Results: JEM-based noise exposure, assessed as equivalent continuous sound level normalised to 8-h working days (LEX 8 h), over the working career or as minimum 5 years ≥85 dB) was not associated with tinnitus. Years of exposure ≥80 dB (minimum one) was not associated with tinnitus. Self-reported high noise exposure (>15 h weekly ≥5 years) was associated with tinnitus overall and among persons with elevated hearing thresholds (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.3, 1.0-1.7), however not statistically significantly among persons with normal thresholds (PR 1.1, 0.8-1.5)., Conclusions: Our large study showed no association between JEM-based noise exposure and tinnitus. This may to some extent reflect successful use of hearing protection. High self-reported noise exposure was associated with tinnitus, but not among normal hearing persons. This supports that noise-induced tinnitus to a large extent depends on audiometric hearing loss.

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious concern for orthopedic surgeons. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sets the safe exposure limit at 85 dB for 8 hours, yet operating rooms often surpass this limit. This study investigated if using an automated broaching system exposes orthopedic surgeons to dangerous decibel (dB) levels., Materials and Methods: A prospective study analyzed 138 intraoperative sound recordings from 92 total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries and 46 baseline measurements at an academic-affiliated private practice, using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) application and a microphone. The surgeries were categorized into manual and automated broaching. Key metrics measured included maximal dB level (MDL), peak sound pressure (LC peak ), average continuous sound (LA eq ), and average weighted sound in an 8-hour period (TWA), along with dose representations, to identify hazardous noise levels., Results: Of the 92 THA sound recordings, 50 used manual broaching and 42 employed automated broaching. Automated broaching exhibited higher noise levels, with an average MDL of 109.92 dBA, a LA eq of 86.09 dBA, a TWA of 76.48 dBA, and a projected noise dose of 137.74%. In contrast, manual broaching exhibited an average MDL of 105.87 dBA, a LA eq of 83.06 dBA, a TWA of 72.82 dBA, and a projected noise dose of 82.02%., Conclusion: This study highlights the auditory risks from automated broach and manual THA surgeries that orthopedic surgeons experience. Manufacturers should focus on reducing instrument noise when designing surgical tools and orthopedic surgeons and operating room staff should take measures to protect themselves from NIHL during surgery. [ Orthopedics . 2024;47(6):349-354.].

Objective: Young adults are at risk for hearing loss caused by exposure to loud music. Intervention at this stage provides opportunities to support lifelong hearing protection use. This study explores attitudes related to hearing, hearing loss, and hearing protection among university students., Design: Qualitative interview design, supplemented by quantitative questionnaire data., Study Sample: 18 university students, aged 18-24 years., Results: Students were uncertain about mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, did not feel vulnerable to permanent hearing damage from loud music, were unconvinced of hearing protection efficacy, and reported barriers to hearing protection use. Students emphasised the positive effects of loud music and reported an increased likelihood of using hearing protection were it used by peers. Music students appeared more aware of the negative effects of loud music exposure. Students reported conflicting attitudes regarding government regulation of hearing protection use., Conclusion: Young adults require education about hearing protection from multiple, credible sources and need to understand the mechanisms behind noise-induced hearing loss in a way that makes it of high personal relevance.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the occupational epidemiological characteristics of hearing loss among noise-exposed workers through a cross-sectional study and to explore the impact of combined noise and dust exposure on workers' hearing loss through a longitudinal study., Results: This cross-sectional study revealed that the risk of speech-frequency hearing loss increases with age (OR = 1.096, 95%CI = 1.081-1.111). Independent factors influencing high-frequency hearing loss include sex, age, hazardous factors, industry category, and enterprise size. Scientific research and technical services (OR = 1.607, 95%CI = 1.111-2.324), wholesale and retail (OR = 2.144, 95%CI = 1.479-3.107), manufacturing (OR = 1.907, 95%CI = 1.429-2.545), and other industries (OR = 1.583, 95%CI = 1.002-2.502) are risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.297, 95%CI = 0.236-0.373) is a protective factor against high-frequency hearing loss. Independent factors influencing occupational noise-induced hearing loss include sex, working age, hazardous factors, industry category, smoking, and drinking, with the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss increasing with working age (OR = 1.045, 95%CI = 1.031-1.058). Noise and dust work (OR = 1.271, 95%CI = 1.011-1.597), other work (OR = 0.619, 95%CI = 0.479-0.800), manufacturing (OR = 2.085, 95%CI = 1.336-3.254), other industries (OR = 2.063, 95%CI = 1.060-4.012), occasional smokers (OR = 0.863, 95%CI = 0.652-1.142), regular smokers (OR = 1.216, 95% CI = 0.987-1.497), and excessive drinkers (OR = 2.171, 95%CI = 1.476-3.193) are risk factors for occupational noise-induced hearing loss, whereas being female (OR = 0.496, 95%CI = 0.347-0.709) is a protective factor against occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The longitudinal study revealed differences in pure-tone hearing threshold test results at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 3,000 Hz, 4,000 Hz, and 6,000 Hz in both ears before and after enrollment among noise-exposed workers ( p  < 0.05). Combined noise and dust exposure (OR = 4.660, 95%CI = 1.584-13.711), 1st year (OR = 1.540, 95%CI = 1.128-2.103), 2nd year (OR = 1.994, 95%CI = 1.409-2.821), and 3rd year (OR = 1.628, 95%CI = 1.170-2.264) were risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss., Discussion: Combined noise and dust exposure is a risk factor for occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, occupational noise-induced hearing loss is influenced by gender, working age, enterprise industry category, smoking, and drinking. Employers should enhance occupational health management and improve workers' occupational health literacy, with a particular focus on older male workers of long working age, and those with unhealthy habits. Combined exposure to noise and dust may have a synergistic effect on causing high-frequency hearing loss, and comprehensive protective measures should be implemented for workers exposed to both., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhou and Zhang.)

Purpose Dental professionals are exposed to hazardous noise levels on a daily basis in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare the hearing status of dental hygienists who utilize ultrasonic scalers in the workplace compared to age-matched control participants (non-dental hygienists) who were not exposed to ultrasonic noise. Methods A convenience sample of nineteen dental hygienists (experimental) and nineteen non-dental hygienists (control) was recruited for this study. A matched pairs design was utilized; participants in each group were matched based on age and gender to eliminate confounding variables. The testing procedure consisted of an audiologist performing a series of auditory tests including otoacoustic emissions test, pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry on the experimental and control groups. Results In the right ear, there were notable differences from 1000 Hz - 10,000 Hz and in the left ear from 6000 Hz - 10,000 Hz, with higher hearing thresholds in the experimental group of dental hygienists. While 56% of the univariate tests conducted on how many days were worked per week showed statistical significance, the regression line slope indicated those that worked more days had better hearing statuses. The variables for years in practice for dental hygienists, how many of those years were full-time employment, and how many years the dental hygienist had used an ultrasonic scaling device, also had many significant univariate tests for the experimental group only. These variables were more likely to serve as proxies representing true noise exposure. The paired t-test between the groups demonstrated statistically significant differences between the experimental and control group at 9000 Hz in both ears. Conclusion While results from this study demonstrated various qualitative differences in hearing status of the control group (non-dental hygienists) and experimental group (dental hygienists), age was found to be the most critical variable. Furthermore, this data demonstrated differences in hearing status based on various frequencies between dental hygienists and age-matched controls that should be further explored with a larger population., (Copyright © 2024 The American Dental Hygienists’ Association.)

Offshore windfarms are a key means to produce clean energy as we seek to limit climate change effects. Impulsive pile driving used for their construction in shallow water environments is among the most intense anthropogenic sound sources. There is an increasing understanding that an array of marine invertebrates detects acoustic cues, yet little is known about how pile driving sound could impact their sound detection abilities. We experimentally quantified potential changes in sound sensitivity for an abundant, commercially and ecologically important squid species (Doryteuthis pealeii) exposed to actual in situ pile driving. The pile was 0.3-m diameter and 10-m long; hammer energy reached 16 kJ per strike. Sound detection thresholds were determined using auditory evoked potentials in animals with no exposure, after one 15-min or five repeated 15-min long pile driving sound sequences, corresponding to cumulative sound exposure levels of 110 and 131 dB re (1 μm s-2)2 s for acceleration and 187 and 214 dB re (1 μPa)2 s for pressure. We found no statistical evidence of temporary threshold shifts in any squid exposed to pile driving sound sequences. These results, combined with companion behavioral studies, suggest that squid may be robust to the sound impacts during offshore windfarm construction., (© 2024 Acoustical Society of America.)

Objectives: Women exposed to occupational noise experience adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we initiated a large, population-based, cross-sectional study to further investigate the effects of occupational noise on hearing and blood pressure among female workers of childbearing age., Study Design and Setting: A total of 6981 childbearing-aged female workers were selected for this cross-sectional study. Basic characteristics of participants were analyzed by comparing the exposed and control groups. Logistic regression models were employed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidences intervals (CIs) for the associations of occupational noise with levels of hearing loss and blood pressure. The associations were further explored through stratification by age and duration of noise exposure., Results: Compared with participants not exposed to occupational noise, increasing years of occupational noise exposure were independently associated with an elevated risk of hypertension after adjustment of age, industry classification, enterprise size and economic type. Compared to participants not exposed to occupational noise, only the prevalence of bilateral hearing loss was significantly higher after adjustments for age, industry classification, enterprise size and economic type. Compared with those with normal hearing, the ORs and 95% CIs were 1.97 (0.95-4.07), 2.22 (1.05-4.68) and 1.29 (1.06-1.57) for bilateral, unilateral and any ear hearing loss, respectively., Conclusions: Occupational noise exposure is positively associated with both hypertension and bilateral hearing loss among female workers of childbearing age. Those exposed to occupational noise show an increased risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The subject of noise in the operating theatre was recognized as early as 1972 and has been compared to noise levels on a busy highway. While noise-induced hearing loss in orthopaedic surgery specifically has been recognized as early as the 1990s, it remains poorly studied. As a result, there has been renewed focus in this occupational hazard. Noise level is typically measured in decibels (dB), whereas noise adjusted for human perception uses A-weighted sound levels and is expressed in dBA. Mean operating theatre noise levels range between 51 and 75 dBA, with peak levels between 80 and 119 dBA. The greatest sources of noise emanate from powered surgical instruments, which can exceed levels as high as 140 dBA. Newer technology, such as robotic-assisted systems, contribute a potential new source of noise. This article is a narrative review of the deleterious effects of prolonged noise exposure, including noise-induced hearing loss in the operating theatre team and the patient, intraoperative miscommunication, and increased cognitive load and stress, all of which impact the surgical team's overall performance. Interventions to mitigate the effects of noise exposure include the use of quieter surgical equipment, the implementation of sound-absorbing personal protective equipment, or changes in communication protocols. Future research endeavours should use advanced research methods and embrace technological innovations to proactively mitigate the effects of operating theatre noise., Competing Interests: F. S. Haddad reports a grant from Stryker, related to this study, as well as multiple study grants from Stryker, Smith & Nephew, Corin, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and International Olympic Committee, royalties or licenses from Smith & Nephew, Stryker, Corin, and MatOrtho, consulting fees from Stryker, payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Stryker, Smith & Nephew, Zimmer, AO Recon, and Mathys, support for attending meetings and/or travel from Stryker, Mathys, AO Recon, and The Bone & Joint Journal, all of which are unrelated to this article. F. S. Haddad is also Editor-in-Chief of The Bone & Joint Journal, incoming President of the International Hip Society, and Vice President of the European Hip Society., (© 2024 The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery.)

Background: In past 20 years, there is increase in mobile phone users from 12.4 million to about 5.6 billion i.e 70 % of the world's population.[1] Electromagnetic radiations emitted from mobile phone damages inner ear, cochlea and outer hair cells of inner ear and auditory pathway (AP).[2]., Materials and Methods: Case control study. Group 1, N=30 subjects, using mobile smart phones since past 1-5 years and exposure time more than 2 hours per day. Group II included 30 subjects, using mobile smart phones for more than 5 years and exposure time more than 2 hours per day. Headache, tinnitus, or sensations of burning around phone-using were excluded. Brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) done. Student Unpaired t test was used for analysis and chisquare test., Results: Mean ± SD of absolute latencies (AL) of Brainstem evoked response auditory. (BERA) waves III, V and all interpeak latencies at 80 dB and 4,6,8 KHz in group 2 were delayed and significant as compared to group 1. All parameters were highly significant at 8KHz as compared to 4KHz in group 2., Conclusion: Brain stem evoked response audiometry (BERA) detects hearing loss in smart mobile phone using subjects at higher frequencies i.e at 8 KHz early. Hence central neural axis involvement can be detected early by BERA., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Annals of African Medicine.)

Background: Exposure to excessive noise volumes is an occupational health and safety risk. Australian guidelines recommend a time weighted exposure maximum of 85 dB (dB) or a maximum peak noise level of up to 140 dB, as chronic and repeated high dB exposure can result in significant hearing impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of noise generated by common surgical instruments while utilizing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) app., Methods: Sound levels were measured using the NIOSH app. The NIOSH app was used to take equivalent continuous A-weighted sound levels (L Aeq ) and the C-weighted peak sound pressure (L Cpeak ) measurements for specific instruments while in use in theatre. A minimum of three readings per instrument were taken at immediate and working distances., Results: L Aeq measurements ranged from 62.9 to 89.3 dB. The Padgett Dermatome and Frazier Sucker exceeded recommended exposure limits with an averaged L Aeq reading of 85.7 dB(A) and 85.1 dB(A) respectively. L Cpeak readings ranged from 89.9 to 114.7 dB(C) with none of the instruments exceeding a peak sound level beyond the recommended level of 140 dB(C)., Conclusion: The cumulative effect of loud surgical instruments across prolonged or combined operations may result in theatre staff being exposed to hazardous noise levels, impacting the health and wellbeing of staff, staff performance and patient care. Utilization of a phone app can improve the awareness of noise pollution in theatres, thereby empowering staff to be proactive about their health and improvement of their work environment., (© 2024 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Objective: To investigate the effects of previous occupational noise exposure in older adults with hearing loss on (1) audiometric configuration and acoustic reflex (AR) thresholds and (2) self-reported hearing abilities and hearing aid (HA) effectiveness., Design: A prospective observational study., Study Sample: The study included 1176 adults (≥60 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometry, AR thresholds, and responses to the abbreviated version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire were obtained, along with information about previous occupational noise exposure., Results: Greater occupational noise exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of steeply sloping audiograms in men and women and a 0.32 (95% CI: -0.57; -0.06) scale points lower mean SSQ12 total score among noise-exposed men. AR thresholds did not show a significant relation to noise-exposure status, but hearing thresholds at a given frequency were related to elevated AR thresholds at the same frequency., Conclusions: A noise exposure history is linked to steeper audiograms in older adults with hearing loss as well as to poorer self-reported hearing abilities in noise-exposed men. More attention to older adults with previous noise exposure is warranted in hearing rehabilitation.

Construction framers who cut and install steel studs as part of their daily tasks are exposed to hazardous noise levels during their work shift in large part due to the power saws they use to cut steel studs. This investigation characterized the sound pressure levels of power saws used to cut steel studs on active construction sites. Further, the length of time it took to cut various studs on a construction site was investigated to understand worker exposure times to saw noise. In general, power saws used on the study sites to cut steel studs had a mean A-weighted equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq) of 107.2 dB and a C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCpeak) of 120.1 dB. Three of the saws-the chopsaw, the cut-off saw, and the grinder-had similar noise levels, whereas the cordless circular saw had higher noise levels. It took an average of 13.2 s to cut each stud, and workers in the study used power saws to cut steel studs for an average of 371.5 s per day. This average exposure time at the average recorded sound pressure levels (SPLs) suggests these saws can increase the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.)

Musicians are at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus due to regular exposure to high levels of noise. This level of risk may have been underestimated previously since damage to the auditory system, such as cochlear synaptopathy, may not be easily detectable using standard clinical measures. Most previous research investigating hearing loss in musicians has involved cross-sectional study designs that may capture only a snapshot of hearing health in relation to noise exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cumulative noise exposure on behavioural, electrophysiological, and self-report indices of hearing damage in early-career musicians and non-musicians with normal hearing over a 2-year period. Participants completed an annual test battery consisting of pure tone audiometry, extended high-frequency hearing thresholds, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), speech perception in noise, auditory brainstem responses, and self-report measures of tinnitus, hyperacusis, and hearing in background noise. Participants also completed the Noise Exposure Structured Interview to estimate cumulative noise exposure across the study period. Linear mixed models assessed changes over time. The longitudinal analysis comprised 64 early-career musicians (female n = 34; age range at T0 = 18-26 years) and 30 non-musicians (female n = 20; age range at T0 = 18-27 years). There were few longitudinal changes as a result of musicianship. Small improvements over time in some measures may be attributable to a practice/test-retest effect. Some measures (e.g., DPOAE indices of outer hair cell function) were associated with noise exposure at each time point, but did not show a significant change over time. A small proportion of participants reported a worsening of their tinnitus symptoms, which participants attributed to noise exposure, or not using hearing protection. Future longitudinal studies should attempt to capture the effects of noise exposure over a longer period, taken at several time points, for a precise measure of how hearing changes over time. Hearing conservation programmes for "at risk" individuals should closely monitor DPOAEs to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss when audiometric thresholds are clinically normal., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine risky leisure noise exposure from listening to music via headphones and to identify potential determinants with special focus on portable listening devices (PLDs) among adolescents over a period of 7.5-years., Design: Data were collected by questionnaires at four equidistant time points (O1-O4). Music exposure via headphones was calculated based on self-reported volume setting and listening duration. Exceeding 85 dB(A) equivalent for a 40-hour working week was defined as risky noise exposure. Determinants of risky headphone and PLD exposure were investigated using generalised estimating equations and accounting for missing data by multiple imputation., Study Sample: Closed cohort of 2148 students attending 9 th grade of any secondary school type in Regensburg (Germany), during 2009 to 2011., Results: Risky noise exposure from headphone usage was almost twice as high in wave O1 and O2 (at age 15 or 18) compared with 20-23-year-olds in O3 and O4. Risky exposure to headphones and PLDs were associated with younger age, low and medium education, single-parent household and smoking, whereas good self-rated hearing showed a protective effect. Additionally, not being born in Germany was associated with risky PLD exposure., Conclusion: Before harmful behaviours become entrenched, starting preventive efforts at a young age is essential.

Occupational noise exposure continues to be a prevalent hazard in many industries. While the proliferation of noise dosimeters and wearable devices has made it easier to assess a worker's exposure to noise, many employees exposed to hazardous (i.e., >85 dBA) levels of noise may go their entire career without ever having their personal noise levels measured. In contrast to other occupational exposures, noise is easily perceived by the individual exposed, allowing them to develop subjective judgments regarding its characteristics. To determine whether such self-reported exposures to occupational noise are associated with hearing loss, this analysis used audiometric data and self-reported occupational exposure to loud noise from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which has collected such data from 1999 to May 2020. Linear and logistic regressions models found a statistically significant association between self-reported noise exposure and worsened hearing at the 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz hearing frequency as well as an elevated odds ratio for the development of hearing loss greater than 25 dB at the 2, 3, and 4 kHz audiometric frequencies. The results of this analysis suggest that in the absence of exposure measurements, workers are likely able to detect exposure to hazardous levels of noise. In these instances, additional measurements should be collected to determine if the workers should be enrolled in a hearing conservation program.

Objective: Hearing disorders are common among music professionals, as they are frequently exposed to sound levels exceeding 100 dB(A). By assessing auditory fatigue, situations that are deleterious for hearing could be identified, allowing the deployment of preventive measures before permanent impairment occurs. However, little is known about the factors contributing to auditory fatigue. The objective is to determine the exposure parameters most influencing auditory fatigue during occupational exposure to amplified music., Design: Auditory fatigue was defined as variations of both pure tone auditory (ΔPTA) and efferent reflex thresholds (ΔER) during the workday. Noise exposure was monitored and information on the volunteers was gathered using a questionnaire., Study Sample: The population consisted of 43 adult volunteers exposed to amplified music (sound, light or stage technicians, security agents, barmen) and 24 unexposed administrative agents., Results: ΔPTA and ΔER were positively correlated with the energy of noise exposure and its stability over time, i.e a steady noise tends to create more auditory fatigue., Conclusion: In addition to a global decrease of music levels and a systematic use of hearing protection, our results advocate for the provision of quiet periods within noise exposures as they reduce auditory fatigue accumulation and long-term risks for hearing.

Firefighter hoods must provide protection from elevated temperatures and products of combustion while simultaneously being comfortable and limiting interference with firefighting movement or completion of fireground activities. This study was to quantify the impact of hood design (traditional knit hood vs. several models of particulate-blocking hoods) on wearability measures such as range of motion, noise production and hearing threshold. Firefighters' perceptions of wearability were also collected. In a controlled laboratory environment, 24 firefighters performed movement and hearing tests. Wearing particulate-blocking hoods resulted in decreased rotational range of motion, and thicker hoods reduced hearing ability. Design, but not necessarily the number of layers, affected noise production by the hood during head movement. Practitioner summary: Particulate-blocking hoods resulted in reduced rotational range of motion relative to the traditional design and the no-hood condition. Hoods with additional layers resulted in decreased hearing ability. Noise production was increased in designs of particulate-blocking hoods with a membrane-based blocking layer independent of the number of layers.

Objective: To measure noise exposure present on pickleball courts and assess the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) per guidelines put forward by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)., Methods: Observational study measuring noise levels at multiple recreational pickleball courts in the Richmond, VA area, documenting LAeq, LASmax, and LCpeak at courtside and waiting areas of pickleball courts. Measurements were completed using the NIOSH SLM application on an iPhone 13 with iMM-6 Calibrated Measurement Microphone (equivalent to IEC 61672-1 Class II) that was calibrated using ND-9 Sound Level Calibrator (IEC942 Class I)., Results: Average sound levels recorded at waiting areas adjacent to the courts, measured in LAeq, LASmax, and LCpeak, were 69.1 dBA, 92.0 dBA, and 112.1 dBC, respectively, while courtside measurements were 69.7 dBA, 92.2 dBA, and 115.6 dBC, respectively. These measurements were within NIOSH and OSHA recommendations., Conclusion: The data demonstrates that randomly sampled pickleball courts have noise levels that do not increase risk for NIHL for participants or bystanders alike based on NIOSH guidelines. However, prolonged noise exposure and ambient noise pollution may have other health implications and warrant further investigations., Level of Evidence: Level 2., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Previous studies have investigated the health hazards caused by exposure to the noise of heavy equipment used at construction sites. Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport operates a registration system for construction machinery, and regular safety inspections are mandatory. Although workers inspecting construction machinery vehicles are exposed to unwanted noise, no noise exposure assessment has been made regarding these workers in Korea. The time-weighted average (TWA) daily average noise exposure level among construction machinery inspectors at 18 inspection centers was 75.3 dB(A). Among the inspection steps, the exhaust gas inspection step was found to exhibit the highest noise exposure level, up to 100 dB(A). In Korea, if the noise level of a workplace exceeds 85 dB(A) as a TWA, workers are required to undergo special medical examinations. This study found that special medical examinations were required for two of the 18 target inspection centers (approximately 115 workers) as the 8-hour TWA noise level exceeded 85 dB(A). Therefore, regular noise exposure assessment and special medical examinations for noise are required to prevent inspectors from developing hearing disorders due to noise exposure., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Purpose: to analyze the knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of students on noise., Methods: We used an observational method study, in 32 Schools from Itajaí/Brazil, with a convenience sample, comprising 1,835 students, 45.7% females and 54.3% males, mean age of 11.53 ± 0.8 years, was conducted. The Portuguese version of Dangerous Decibels® questionnaire was applied. For the data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used, significance level of 5%., Results: A large part of the sample part of the sample had harmful hearing habits; 62.6% reported knowledge on the subject, but only 25.4% answered the questions on the theme correctly; 58.9% reported that they did not know how to protect hearing if necessary. Regarding sex and age: males have more hazardous hearing habits (p < 0.001) and tinnitus complaint (p<0.001) and females have more knowledge (p < 0.001) and the intent to wear hearing protection (p<0.001), greater intention to wear hearing protection among younger students (10 and 11 years old) (p < 0.001), and the older ones (12 to 16 years old) get more exposed to noise (p < 0.001), and there are more tinnitus complaints (p < 0.05) among them., Conclusion: A large part of the students in the study has hazardous noisy habits and scarce knowledge on the theme, with males and older subjects showing the worst attitudes and behaviors in face of the potential hearing risk caused by exposure to high noise levels.

Introduction: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a condition caused by repeated exposure to loud noise, with operating theatre personnel potentially at risk. The aims of this study were to establish the typical noise levels in orthopaedic theatres and to compare these to The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005., Materials and Methods: We measured the average noise levels in 40 trauma and orthopaedic surgeries in a single centre. We used the Decibel X app to take measurements, then performed corrections to ascertain noise levels at the surgeon's ear (L eq ). The daily noise exposure level for theatre staff for each procedure (L EP, d ) and the L EP, d over an average 8-hour working day when performing different groups of procedures were calculated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-test and the Pearson coefficient of correlation., Results: The L EP, d lower action value (80 dBA) as set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was met by performing a single revision total knee replacement or a right open ankle debridement. Assuming three procedures are conducted per list, lists consisting of joint replacements (82 dBA) or medium elective procedures (81 dBA) exceed this lower limit. Additionally, lists comprising large and medium bone fractures would be within 1 dB of the limit (79 dBA and 79 dBA, respectively). Soft tissue (74 dBA), arthroscopic (73 dBA), and small bone fracture (71 dBA) procedures had the lowest L EP, d . The greatest contributors to noise levels were surgical instruments. The number of people in the room made a significant difference to noise levels (p = 0.032)., Conclusions: We have established the baseline noise levels in various orthopaedic procedures. Measures should be taken to meet UK regulations. Further research should determine suitable measures for protection from hearing damage for theatre staff and evaluate the risks high noise levels pose to patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aimed to compare daily and total recreational music exposure levels and extended-spectrum audiogram results in young adults without pre-existing hearing problems., Design: The study included healthy volunteers aged 18-25 with no known ear disease or hearing loss. Participants completed a questionnaire, underwent otoscopic and tympanometric examinations, and determined preferred music volumes in an audiometry booth using calibrated music samples of their preferred genres. Hearing thresholds up to 16 kiloHertz (kHz) were measured. Daily music exposure for each participant was normalized to 8 h to calculate a time-weighted average of 8 h (TWA8). Total exposure (TE) was calculated by multiplying TWA8 by the number of years of music listening., Results: A total of 32.4% of participants had TWA8s above 65 dB. Their hearing thresholds at 125, 250, 500, and 16,000 Hz and the average of 125 Hz-8 kHz were significantly higher. Participants with TWA8s above 65 dB were also more prone to speaking loudly and experiencing communication difficulties on the phone. Those with a TE of more than 400 experienced significantly more speech discrimination difficulty in noisy environments and temporary hearing loss/tinnitus after exposure to loud music. Participants with a TE above 700 had worse thresholds at 4, 14, and 16 kHz frequencies, as well as 125-8000 Hz and 500-4000 Hz averages compared to those with a TE below 700., Conclusions: This study provides evidence that recreational music with much lower exposure levels than the universally accepted TWA8 of 85 dB could negatively impact hearing in healthy young adults. Therefore, maintaining a maximum TWA8 of 65 dB is recommended., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Fear and anxiety among patients are sometimes evoked in dental clinics due to the sound of dental drills. This study aimed to explore the impact of age-related hearing loss in the extended high frequency (EHF) range above 8 kHz on individuals' subjective discomfort towards dental drill noise. After measuring pure-tone audiometric thresholds at both conventional and extended high frequencies, we used a psychoacoustic approach to evaluate subjective impressions of four dental drill sound stimuli, which featured varying frequency components, in 62 participants (aged 12-67 years). We found a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity within the EHF range as age increased, with notable differences in hearing thresholds at 14 kHz between teenage and older adults exceeding 65 dB. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between younger and older (above 40 years) participants in the subjective impressions of dental drill noise, emphasizing age as a critical factor in the perception of high frequency components. Consequently, age may influence the unpleasantness of dental drilling noise. Compared to older individuals, young participants may exhibit increased fear of dental procedures owing to physiological factors. These results underscore the need for age-appropriate noise control strategies in dental clinics to mitigate anxiety and improve patient comfort., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Context: Workplace noise regulations and guidance follow the hierarchy of control model that prioritizes eliminating or reducing noise at its source., Objectives: To determine the main sources of workplace noise exposure in the Australian working population and estimate the reduction of workers exposed over the noise limit (LAeq,8h > 85 dB) if noise levels of specific tools or equipment were reduced by 10 dB., Methods: Information on the tools used and tasks performed during each participant's last working shift was collected from 4,977 workers via telephone survey. Using a predetermined database of task-based noise levels, partial noise exposures (Pa2h) were determined for each noisy activity performed by the workers and their daily noise exposure level (LAeq,8h) was estimated. Partial exposures were categorized into 15 tool/task groups and the tally, average, and sum (Pa2h) for each group were calculated. The impacts of 5 different scenarios that simulated a reduction of 10 dB in noise emissions for specific tool groups were modelled., Results: Powered tools and equipment were responsible for 59.3% of all noise exposure (Pa2h); vehicles for 10.6%; mining, refineries, and plant equipment for 5.1%; and manufacturing and food processing for 4.2%. Modelling demonstrated that a 10 dBA noise-level reduction of all powered tools and equipment would lead to a 26.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.7% to 30.3%) reduction of workers with an LAeq,8h > 85 dB. This could represent over 350,000 Australian workers no longer exposed above the workplace limit daily., Conclusions: A universal reduction of 10 dB to power tools and equipment would substantially reduce the future burden of hearing loss, tinnitus, workplace injuries, and other health effects. Initiatives to reduce the noise emissions of specific powered tool groups are warranted., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Use of noise or music in experimental human studies requires balancing the need to avoid subjecting participants to potentially harmful noise levels while still reaching levels that will produce a measurable change in the primary outcome. Several methodological and ethical aspects must be considered. This study aims to summarize ethical and methodological aspects, and reported outcomes, of previously published experimental paradigms using loud noise/music., Methods and Materials: Four databases (Medline, Central, Web of Science, and Scopus) and two trials registries (Clinicaltrials.gov and EU Clinical Trials) were searched. Extracted items had the details of author and year of publication, study design and purpose, population, setting timeline and material, selected battery test, and effect of noise/music on participants' hearing., Results: Thirty-four studies were included. Exposure safety considerations were reported in five studies. Eleven studies assessing hearing loss used white or narrow-band noise [(NBN (0.5-4 kHz), up to 115 dBA, duration range: 3'-24 hours)], and 10 used pop music (up to 106 dBA, duration range: 10'-4 hours). Experimental setting varied significantly. Temporary thresholds shift (TTS) and reduction in distortion product otoacoustic emissions were found at 1-8 kHz, with maximum average TTS∼21.5 dB at 4 kHz after NBN and ∼11.5 dB at 6 kHz after music exposure. All participants recovered their hearing, except for one participant in one study. In the 13 non-hearing loss studies, no hearing testing was performed after exposure, but loud noise was associated with temporary stress, bradygastria, and cardiovascular changes. Noise-induced subjective stress may be higher for participants with tinnitus. Loud noise (100 dBA, 10') increased diastolic and mean blood pressure only in participants with hypertension., Conclusion: Experimental exposure paradigms can produce temporary changes to hearing without measurable long-term health consequences. Methodological and ethical aspects identified in this review should be considered for the development of future paradigms., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of retroaural injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the treatment of noise-induced hearing loss., Methods: Case data of 220 patients with hearing loss treated at the Zhongda Hospital Southeast University from January 1, 2019 to August 1, 2023 were obtained. As per the treatment plan, the recruited patients were divided into two cohorts: 158 cases in the combined-treatment group (retroaural injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate combined with HBO) and 62 cases in the single-hormone group (retroaural injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate). Comparison of the clinical efficacies and postoperative complication rates of the two groups was performed after treatment. MS-Excel was used to build a database for all data, and SPSS26.0 was utilized in the statistical analysis of recorded data., Results: For patients with low-frequency, high-frequency, and flat descending type, the combined-treatment group showed significantly higher clinical effective rate than the single-hormone group (P < 0.05). For patients with disease duration ≤7 days, the combined-treatment group attained a significantly higher clinical effective rate was than the single-hormone group (P < 0.05). The safety of patients in both groups was evaluated mainly through their adverse reactions. The total incidence of adverse reactions in the single-hormone group reached 9.68%, and that in the combined-treatment group was 8.23%. The two groups revealed no significant difference in terms of incidence of adverse reactions (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: HBO combined with retroaural injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate has good clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of hearing loss., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)

Background: Amusement arcades are one of the most popular entertainment venues for young people, but excessive noise levels inside them could harm young people's hearing. The aim of this study is to assess the characteristics and risk of noise exposure for young people in amusement arcades and understand their knowledge of and attitudes towards safe listening., Methods: In this study, noise measurement was conducted in five large amusement arcades to collect 40 noise samples. At the same time, questionnaires were used in each amusement arcade to investigate young players' social information, subjective perception, and cognition of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)., Results: The level of the noise samples ranged from 83.05 to 89.4 dBA. There are significant differences in noise levels between amusement arcades (P < 0.05), but there is no significant difference in noise levels between different games (P > 0.05). The subjective questionnaire survey shows that 61.9% of young people feel that the sound of video games is noisy or very noisy, but it is worth noting that 63.5% of them do not know or think that noise will not cause hearing loss, and 39.7% of people will choose to do nothing to help them endure the noise in such an environment. For safe listening, young people are more inclined to choose measures to stay in quiet areas and reduce the volume of game devices., Conclusions: The noise levels in most amusement arcades have exceeded the exposure limits recommended by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA); subjective questionnaires also indicate that internal noise levels may cause hearing loss, and young customers did not know enough about safe listening. For young people's hearing safety, these issues need more attention., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)

Globally, hearing loss is a prevalent health condition that often goes unattended and significantly influences the quality of life of the affected individual. The prevalence of hearing loss is expected to rise in the years to come, predominantly due to the changes in the demography, increased exposure to recreational noise, and disregarding ear conditions that can account for hearing loss but are immensely preventable. A wide range of activities can be planned and organized to promote ear and hearing care and thereby contribute to our vision to prevent the consequences of unaddressed hearing loss. However, the sustainability of these events, especially in terms of accomplishing the intended outcomes, essentially depends on the involvement of the community and the political leaders. In conclusion, the strategies to promote ear and hearing care are much more essential than health interventions do; rather, these measures have social implications. The need of the hour is to create awareness among different stakeholders to ensure that we can change the perception of the masses and that ear and hearing care becomes a global public health priority., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)

Objective: To assess regulatory effect of Mediterranean diet for occupational noise exposure and hearing loss. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 4757 individuals. Weighted logistic regression model was adopted to explore the association of occupational noise exposure and Mediterranean diet with hearing loss, and regulatory effects of the Mediterranean diet for the relationship of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss. Results: Occupational noise exposure was associated with an increased odds of hearing loss. Under low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the occupational noise exposure group was related to increased odds of hearing loss. Under high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, no significant difference was observed between occupational noise exposure and hearing loss, and adjusted effect size was reduced accordingly. Conclusion: Mediterranean diet may moderate this relationship of occupational noise exposure and hearing loss to some degree., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)

The aims were to highlight noise levels on board and the health effects of noise on seafarers. Data was collected from multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ebsco Host. Initially, the search resulted in a total of 197 articles, 16 were chosen. Several ships were found which most sailors had noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) ( n  = 6). The engine room has been defined as having the highest level of noise. In addition, noise exposure was associated with hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disturbances, communication difficulties, poor concentration, dizziness, depression, anxiety, headache, fatigue, and stress. Noise exposure is not the only factor that causes health problems: the duration of exposure while working, years of career as a maritime worker, age, lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol consumption), and even hobbies related to loud sound (such as concert/disco attendance, listen to loud music, etc.) were associated with the adverse health effects experienced by seafarers.

Background:  Young adults are exposed to high noise levels in leisure venues, which increases their risk of hearing loss, and can affect their quality of life., Objectives:  The aim of this study was to describe the young adults' awareness, attitudes and perceptions towards leisure noise at a university in South Africa., Method:  A descriptive cross-sectional study design with quantitative methods of data was considered for this study. Students from first to fourth years in the Education Department of a local university in Durban, South Africa, who were aged 18 years old - 25 years old were invited to participate in an online survey., Results:  Of the 462 participants, most had a general awareness on noise and hearing loss but lacked knowledge on the negative effect of loud noise, with 95.2% using personal listening devices, followed by visiting restaurants and gyms, and 48.3% being unsure if noise can damage hearing permanently. They were unaware of methods to reduce their exposure to noise. A significant relationship between awareness of noise and attitudes (p = 0.029) indicated that the higher the level of awareness regarding leisure noise, the better their attitude and behaviour, thus the lower the risk of hearing loss., Conclusion:  The results highlight the need for implementing the World Health Organization (WHO) noise regulations and providing education for this age group to prevent irreversible hearing loss through exposure to leisure noise.Contribution: A national study is recommended to increase research evidence.

Objective: This study aimed to understand the health of workers exposed to occupational noise and explore the influencing factors related to workers' health, especially the impact of noise on workers' hearing. This work can provide a basis for formulating relevant measures for occupational noise prevention and control in the future., Methods: On the basis of the key occupational disease monitoring project in Chongqing, China, in 2021, the data of 1125 workers exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. Data included demographic information, occupational history, clinical physical examination information, and noise detection information of the working environment. Chi-square test and multifactorial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis., Results: The prevalence rates of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were 21.9% (246/1125), 27.8% (313/1125), and 18.0% (202/1125), respectively. Male workers accounted for 78.8%. Compared with male workers, female workers had a lower prevalence of abnormal PTA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.16-0.50). Workers working in medium enterprises had a lower prevalence of abnormal BP than workers in micro enterprises (OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19-0.66). The prevalence of abnormal BP and PTA of workers increased with age. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the prevalence of abnormal ECG of mining workers was higher than that of manufacturing workers (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07-2.24), and the prevalence of abnormal PTA had a rising trend with the increase in noise exposure value., Conclusion: Noise-exposed workers have a high prevalence of abnormal ECG, BP, and PTA, and factors such as age, enterprise size, and workplace noise exposure are correlated with the aberrant health of workers. Governments, enterprises, and individuals need to attach great importance to the possible adverse effects of noise. They must also actively adopt various effective measures to protect the occupational safety and health of workers., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Jin et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background and Objective: Exposure to noise by generation of free radicals causes oxidative stress in body. The aim of this study was the evaluation of oxidative stress in workers who have used hearing protection devices during working time., Material and Method: Pressing workers (n=24) of a home appliance industry were studied using hearing protection devices to reduce noise exposure. Twenty two office staff (without exposure to noise) were considered as a control group. Two groups were matched for age, work experience and smoking. Exposure to noise was measured by dosimeter method at workstations. By obtaining 3 ml blood sample, Malondialdehyde levels, Thiol groups and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in all subjects., Results: Exposure to sound pressure level in pressing workers by considering the noise reduction factor of the earplug was observed in 77.65 dB with minimum 75.1 dB and Maximum 81.22 dB. Plasma thiol groups (0.076 (0.041-0.119) vs (0.110 (0.076-0.197), mmol/l P =0.0001) and total antioxidant capacity (361.33± 54.65 vs 414.14± 96.82, µmol/ml P = 0.026) in pressing workers significantly decreased than control group. Pearson correlation showed significant results between exposure to noise and oxidative stress parameters., Conclusion: Exposure to noise wave cause oxidative stress in different site of body. Oxidative stress is an intermediate way for different disease due to noise exposure. Reducing of noise exposure by earplug in pressing workers is not efficient protection for oxidative stress generation. Therefore, hearing protection devices are not a barrier to the harmful effects of noise in occupational exposure.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of routine white noise exposure in children who undergo sound field audiometry., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic affiliated with an academic tertiary care hospital. The medical records of children who underwent sound field audiometry were reviewed and data was collected regarding demographics and audiogram results. The group was divided into two cohorts based on routine exposure to white noise. Children exposed to white noise were tested with warble tones, while those not exposed were tested with narrow-band noise., Results: 127 patients underwent sound field audiometry testing, of which 96 (75.6%) were reported by their parents to use white noise for sleep. The mean age at time of testing was 1.6 years (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.5-1.7). 104 (81.9%) children were able to respond to at least four of the sound field thresholds, and there was no significant difference between the children exposed to white noise and those who were not (P = 0.459). Mean pure tone average (PTA) was 26.2 dB (95% CI 25.2-27.2) and mean speech reception threshold (SRT) was 19.2 dB (95% CI 18.2-20.2). The sound field response rate, PTA, and SRT were similar between these two groups., Conclusions: The routine use of white noise therapy was extremely common in this pediatric population. The use of warble tones as the audiometric stimuli for children exposed to white noise resulted in similar testing success compared to the use of narrow-band noise in children not exposed to white noise., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hearing health is a public health concern that affects the quality of life and can be disturbed by noise exposure, generating auditory and extra-auditory symptoms. Objective. To identify the hearing health status in adults living in Bogotá and its association with environmental noise exposure and individual and otological factors., Objective: To identify the hearing health status in adults living in Bogotá and its association with environmental noise exposure and individual and otological factors., Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a database with 10,311 records from 2014 to 2018, consigned in a structured survey of noise perception and hearing screening. We performed a descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analysis., Results: Of the included participants, 35.4% presented hearing impairment. In the perception component, 13.0 % reported not hearing well; 28.8 % had extra-auditory symptoms, 53.3 % informed otological antecedents and 69.0 % presented discomfort due to extramural noise. In the logistic regression, the variables with the highest association for hearing impairment were living in noisy areas (OR = 1.50) (95% CI: 1.34-1.69), being male (OR = 1.85) (95% CI: 1.64-2.09), increasing age (for each year of life, the risk of hearing impairment increased 6%), and having history of extra-auditory symptoms (OR = 1.86) (95% CI: 1.66-2.08)., Conclusions: Hearing impairment is multi-causal in the studied population. The factors that promote its prevalence are increasing age, being male, smoking, ototoxic medications, living in areas with high noise exposure, and extra-auditory symptoms.

Objectives: This study aims to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. It provides an early, simple and accurate prediction method for NIHL., Design: Population based, a cross sectional study., Setting: Han, China., Participants: This study selected 3266 Han male workers from three automobile manufacturing industries., Primary Outcome Measures: Information including personal life habits, occupational health test information and occupational exposure history were collected and predictive factors of NIHL were screened from these workers. BPNN and logistic regression models were constructed using these predictors., Results: The input variables of BPNN model were 20, 16 and 21 important factors screened by univariate, stepwise and lasso-logistic regression. When the BPNN model was applied to the test set, it was found to have a sensitivity (TPR) of 83.33%, a specificity (TNR) of 85.92%, an accuracy (ACC) of 85.51%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 52.85%, a negative predictive value of 96.46% and area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) is: 0.926 (95% CI: 0.891 to 0.961), which demonstrated the better overall properties than univariate-logistic regression modelling (AUC: 0.715) (95% CI: 0.652 to 0.777). The BPNN model has better predictive performance against NIHL than the stepwise-logistic and lasso-logistic regression model in terms of TPR, TNR, ACC, PPV and NPV (p<0.05); the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of NIHL is also higher than that of the stepwise and lasso-logistic regression model (p<0.05). It was a relatively important factor in NIHL to find cumulative noise exposure, auditory system symptoms, age, listening to music or watching video with headphones, exposure to high temperature and noise exposure time in the trained BPNN model., Conclusions: The BPNN model was a valuable tool in dealing with the occupational risk prediction problem of NIHL. It can be used to predict the risk of an individual NIHL., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Excessive occupational exposure to noise results in a well-recognized occupational hearing loss which is prevalent in many workplaces and now it is taken as a global problem. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and associated factors among workers in the Bishoftu Central Air Base in Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 central air base workers through face-to-face interviews, an environment noise survey, and an audiometric test for data collection. Data were entered by Epi-data version 3.1 and SPSS was used to analyze the data. Finally, a statistical analysis such as descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis was applied. A P-value < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was 24.6 and 30.9%, respectively. The highest prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss was recorded for workers who were exposed to noise levels greater than 90 dBA. Out of 132 workers exposed to the average noise level of 75 dB A, only 5% of workers were affected with noise-induced hearing loss, while 128 workers exposed to an average noise level equal to or greater than 90 dB A, 19.6% of workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Regarding sex, around 21.9% of male workers were identified with noise-induced hearing loss. Workers who were exposed to a high noise level workplace previously or before the Central Air Base workplace were five times (AOR = 5.0, 95% CI 1.74-14.36) more likely affected by noise-induced hearing loss than those workers not previously exposed. Those workers who were exposed to greater or equal to 90dBA noise level were 4.98 times (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI 2.59-9.58) more likely to be exposed to noise-induced levels than those who were exposed to less than 90dBA noise level. Moreover, male air base workers were 3.5 times more likely exposed to hearing impairment than female workers (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.01-12.0). This study identified that the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss and hearing impairments was significantly high. So implementation of a hearing conservation program, giving noise education, and supplying adequate hearing protective devices (HPDs) are essentials., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Music is complex. There are risks to hearing health associated with playing due to excessive sound exposure. Face the Music is an on-going cross-sectional project to assess the risks to unamplified classical musicians. Key findings over the first fifteen years are presented based on the research undertaken with a leading conservatoire on more than 5000 classical music students. The work covers hearing health surveillance, education and awareness, sound exposure, and new technology. The future of the research programme is discussed along with opportunities in objective hearing health assessment and new acoustic solutions. A lot has changed in fifteen years, but the research was driven by a change in United Kingdom legislation. It is hoped that the research results can inform future regulation., (© 2024 Acoustical Society of America.)

Background: High-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) stands as a prevalent occupational morbidity globally, with numerous associated risk factors, some of which are modifiable. In the context of a comprehensive hearing conservation program, the initial steps involve early screening and identification of workers with these modifiable risk factors, aiming to reduce the prevalence of hearing loss. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of HFHL and determine its predictors among mine workers., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 226 mine workers in ten open-cast mines in Gujarat state, the western part of India, in November 2020. We collected data on socio-demography, addiction, occupation history and comorbidities, along with anthropometric, blood pressure, and blood sugar measurements. Audiometric evaluations using a portable diagnostic audiometer were employed to assess HFHL, defined as a hearing threshold exceeding 25 decibels (dB) at high frequencies (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz). A generalized linear model (GLM) with a binomial family was performed to determine the predictors significantly predicting HFHL after adjusting for confounding variables., Results: The prevalence of HFHL was 35% (95% CI: 29-42%) in our study setting. Office workers demonstrated a prevalence of 19%, whereas other job categories displayed a higher prevalence of 42%, resulting in a significant prevalence difference of 23% and a prevalence ratio of 2.2. The GLM analysis revealed that variables, such as noise exposure during work [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.3 (95% CI: 1.2-4.7, p = 0.018)] and noise exposure duration [aPR 1.1 (95% CI: 1.0-1.1, p = 0.042)], were significant predictors of HFHL., Conclusions: In our study setting, mine workers exhibited a high prevalence of HFHL, with exposure to workplace noise and duration being modifiable predictors. Because HFHL advances slowly and is generally undetected by the individual, we recommend periodic testing using audiometry to identify it among mine workers and, if possible, shifting them from mining activities to office. Furthermore, we advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive hearing conservation program to the extent possible., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Traffic enforcers are exposed to various occupational health and safety hazards, including noise pollution, which may lead to occupational hearing loss. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hearing loss and to assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure level (ONEL) and abnormalities in air conduction thresholds among Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) employees along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, Philippines. Eight-hour ONELs were measured among 108 participants working with greater than 5 years of service. Participants had hearing evaluations using pure tone audiometry (PTA) to calculate the prevalence of hearing loss. Generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution were fitted to estimate the association between ONEL and audiologic abnormalities, controlling for confounding factors. Approximately 16% of employees had hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss was higher with ONEL exposures greater than 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA), with traffic enforcers exposed to higher ONELs than office workers. ONELs greater than 85 dBA were related to audiologic abnormalities at different frequencies in PTA. The prevalence of audiologic abnormalities at 4000 Hz and 6000 Hz was 48% higher (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12-1.96) and 25% higher (aPR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.00-1.55), respectively, among participants with ONELs greater than 85 dBA than with ONELs less than or equal to 85 dBA. Participants exposed to ONELs greater than 85 dBA, more likely traffic enforcers, may have increased risk of audiologic abnormalities. Regular ONEL monitoring is warranted for occupational risk assessment of traffic enforcers. A hearing conservation program may need to be considered for this population. Additional studies are needed to determine trends in hearing deterioration among traffic enforcers.

Testudines are a highly threatened group facing an array of stressors, including alteration of their sensory environment. Underwater noise pollution has the potential to induce hearing loss and disrupt detection of biologically important acoustic cues and signals. To examine the conditions that induce temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in hearing in the freshwater Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta), three individuals were exposed to band limited continuous white noise (50-1000 Hz) of varying durations and amplitudes (sound exposure levels ranged from 151 to 171 dB re 1 μPa2 s). Control and post-exposure auditory thresholds were measured and compared at 400 and 600 Hz using auditory evoked potential methods. TTS occurred in all individuals at both test frequencies, with shifts of 6.1-41.4 dB. While the numbers of TTS occurrences were equal between frequencies, greater shifts were observed at 600 Hz, a frequency of higher auditory sensitivity, compared to 400 Hz. The onset of TTS occurred at 154 dB re 1 μPa2 s for 600 Hz, compared to 158 dB re 1 μPa2 s at 400 Hz. The 400-Hz onset and patterns of TTS growth and recovery were similar to those observed in previously studied Trachemys scripta elegans, suggesting TTS may be comparable across Emydidae species., (© 2024 Acoustical Society of America.)

Moderate noise exposure induces cochlear synaptopathy, the loss of afferent ribbon synapses between cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons, which is associated with functional hearing decline. Prior studies have demonstrated noise-induced changes in the distribution and number of synaptic components, but the dynamic changes that occur after noise exposure have not been directly visualized. Here, we describe a live imaging model using RIBEYE-tagRFP to enable direct observation of pre-synaptic ribbons in mature hearing mouse cochleae after synaptopathic noise exposure. Ribbon number does not change, but noise induces an increase in ribbon volume as well as movement suggesting unanchoring from synaptic tethers. A subgroup of basal ribbons displays concerted motion towards the cochlear nucleus with subsequent migration back to the cell membrane after noise cessation. Understanding the immediate dynamics of synaptic damage after noise exposure may facilitate identification of specific target pathways to treat cochlear synaptopathy., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: Excessive noise is unpleasant and induces several physiological and psychological effects. Noise pollution is a potential threat to humans, particularly those continuously exposed for extended periods throughout the day over many years. This review aims to examine the various auditory and non-auditory outcomes associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution., Materials and Methods: The review utilized a combination of relevant keywords to search the electronic databases. After screening based on the applied selection criteria for title, abstract, and full text, 44 articles were finally selected for critical review., Results: We identified and analyzed research findings related to noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep disturbances along with non-auditory issues such as annoyance, cognitive impairments, and mental stress associated with cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, the existing studies were compared and collated to highlight the unique challenges and significance of noise pollution as a distinctive environmental concern and to explore the ongoing efforts in its research and prevention, including the early detection and potential reversal of noise-induced hearing loss., Conclusion: The fundamental health consequences of noise pollution underscore the need for extensive research encompassing emerging noise sources and technologies to establish a health management system tailored to address noise-related health concerns and reduce noise exposure risk among populations. Finally, further research is warranted to ensure improved measurement of noise exposure and related health outcomes, especially in the context of occupational noise., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) induced by noise has increased in recent years due to personal headphone use and noisy urban environments. The study shows a novel model of gradually progressive SNHL induced by repeated exposure to moderate noise (8-kHz octave band noise, 90-dB sound pressure level) for 1 hr exposure per day in BALB/cCr mice. The results showed that the repeated exposure led to gradually progressive SNHL, which was dependent on the number of exposures, and resulted in permanent hearing loss after 5 exposures. Repeated exposure to noise causes a loss of synapses between the inner hair cells and the peripheral terminals of the auditory nerve fibers. Additionally, there is a reduction in the expression levels of c-fos and Arc, both of which are indicators of cochlear nerve responses to noise exposure. Oral administration of resveratrol (RSV, 50 mg/kg/day) during the noise exposure period significantly prevented the noise exposure-induced synapse loss and SNHL. Furthermore, the study found that RSV treatment prevented the noise-induced increase in the gene expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β in the cochlea. These results demonstrated the potential usefulness of RSV in preventing noise-induced SNHL in the animal model established as gradually progressive SNHL.

Acute noise-induced loss of synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and auditory nerve fibers (ANFs) has been documented in several strains of mice, but the extent of post-exposure recovery reportedly varies dramatically. If such inter-strain heterogeneity is real, it could be exploited to probe molecular pathways mediating neural remodeling in the adult cochlea. Here, we compared synaptopathy repair in CBA/CaJ vs. C57BL/6J, which are at opposite ends of the reported recovery spectrum. We evaluated C57BL/6J mice 0 h, 24 h, 2 wks or 8 wks after exposure for 2 h to octave-band noise (8-16 kHz) at either 90, 94 or 98 dB SPL, to compare with analogous post-exposure results in CBA/CaJ at 98 or 101 dB. We counted pre- and post-synaptic puncta in immunostained cochleas, using machine learning to classify paired (GluA2 and CtBP2) vs. orphan (CtBP2 only) puncta, and batch-processing to quantify immunostaining intensity. At 98 dB, both strains show ongoing loss of ribbons and synapses between 0 and 24 h, followed by partial recovery, however the extent and degree of these changes were greater in C57BL/6J. Much of the synaptic recovery is due to transient reduction in GluA2 intensity in synaptopathic regions. In contrast, CtBP2 intensity showed only transient increases (at 2 wks). Neurofilament staining revealed transient extension of ANF terminals in C57BL/6J, but not in CBA/CaJ, peaking at 24 h and reverting by 2 wks. Thus, although interstrain differences in synapse recovery are dominated by reversible changes in GluA2 receptor levels, the neurite extension seen in C57BL/6J suggests a qualitative difference in regenerative capacity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Otitis media (OM) refers to a common clinical ear disease. Noise seriously damages human hearing function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of various noise types on the hearing function of patients who have recovered from mild OM., Materials and Methods: A total of 160 patients with mild OM treated at our hospital from May 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively selected for this study. Based on clinical data, the patients were divided into the non-noise group (n = 80) and the noise (n = 80) group. The hearing thresholds of the two groups were compared across various noise types at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. In addition, the hearing thresholds of the noise group were compared under the same conditions., Results: The noise group exhibited significantly higher hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz than the non-noise group (P < 0.05). Under traffic, urban construction, and industrial noises, the auditory thresholds at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the noise group were significantly higher than those observed under domestic and speech noises (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Noise shows a close relationship with the hearing function of patients with OM. Traffic, urban construction, and industrial noises greatly influence the hearing function of patients who have recovered from mild OM., (Copyright © 2024 Noise & Health.)