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OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the association of self-reported noise exposure and audiograms processed with ten algorithms proposed to quantify noise-induced hearing loss using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. DESIGN Participants were placed into groups based on self-reported noise exposure. Self-reported noise exposure served as a predictor for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Audiograms were analysed with ten algorithms: The Guidelines, Brewster's Rules, two versions of military Noise-induced Hearing Loss, the Bulge Depth, the age-adjusted 8 kHz threshold and four versions of a new algorithm called the Adjusted Notch Depth (AND). The area under the ROC curves were calculated for each algorithm. STUDY SAMPLE Data were collected from three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS Only one version the AND significantly identified those with self-reported noise exposure with an area under the curve of 0.562. CONCLUSIONS The association between the AND and self-reported noise exposure was marginally better than the previous algorithms in identifying those with self-reported noise exposure. These findings do not support using puretone thresholds for identifying those with NIHL in a cross-sectional research study without stratifying the participants. More research is needed to determine how the AND can be applied to stratified designs.

We assessed Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) regarding occupational noise exposure, Noise-induced hearing loss, audiometry and use of hearing protection devices among iron and steel factory workers exposed to high noise level. A modified, validated, structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 253 male workers randomly selected from the four factories. The sum scores for each domain of KAP were computed. Scores above 75% were defined as good knowledge and positive attitude. For practice, scores of >50% were defined as good. Independent samples t-test and Chi-squared test were used to analyze association between KAP and continuous/categorical variables respectively. Majority of workers displayed poor knowledge and poor practice (94%), but 76% displayed a positive attitude. Most of the workers (86%) had never been provided with hearing protection devices. The mean scores for attitude and practice differed significantly between the four factories (one-way ANOVA, p

[Introduction]: Excessive exposure to noise is a common occurrence that contributes to approximately 50% of the non-genetic hearing loss cases. Researchers need to develop standardized preclinical models and identify molecular targets to effectively develop prevention and curative therapies., [Areas covered]: In this review, the authors discuss the many facets of human noise-induced pathology, and the primary experimental models for studying the basic mechanisms of noise-induced damage, making connections and inferences among basic science studies, preclinical proofs of concept and clinical trials., [Expert opinion]: Whilst experimental research in animal models has helped to unravel the mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, there are often methodological variations and conflicting results between animal and human studies which make it difficult to integrate data and translate basic outcomes to clinical practice. Standardization of exposure paradigms and application of -omic technologies will contribute to improving the effectiveness of transferring newly gained knowledge to clinical practice., This work was supported by the grants Multi Target and View FEDER/CM-B2017/BMD-3688 from the Consejería de Educación e Investigación, Comunidad de Madrid and MINECO/FEDER SAF2017-86107-R from the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de España.

Objectives: To evaluate the differences between acoustic trauma (AT) and other types of acute noise-induced hearing loss (ANIHL), we performed a literature search and case reviews. Methods: The literature search based on online databases was completed in September 2016. Articles on ANIHL and steroid treatment for human subjects were reviewed. The source sounds and treatment sequelae of our accumulated cases were also reviewed. Hearing loss caused by gun-shots and explosions was categorized into the AT group, while hearing loss caused by concerts and other noises was categorized into the ANIHL group. Results: Systemic steroid treatment did not appear to be effective, at least in the AT group, based on both the literature and our case reviews. However, effective recovery after treatment including steroids was observed in the ANIHL group. The difference in hearing recovery between the AT and ANIHL groups was statistically significant (p?=?.030), although differences in age, days from the onset to treatment and pretreatment hearing levels were not significant. Conclusions: Hearing recovery from AT is very poor, whereas, ANIHL is recoverable to some extent. Therefore, it is essential to differentiate between these two groups for accurate prediction of the hearing prognosis and evaluation of treatment effects.

Objective: To evaluate the hearing loss risk in different sectors and subunits in the mining industry and to identify associated occupations, in an attempt to locate gaps between hearing conservation efforts and hearing loss risks.Design: Descriptive statistics and frequency tables were generated by commodity types, subunit operations, and/or occupations. Temporal trends of the incidences of hearing loss were reported by commodity types.Study Sample: The MSHA Accident/Injury/Illness and MSHA Address/Employment databases from 2000 to 2014 were used.Results: Incidence rate of OHL was reported highest in the coal sector compared to other commodity types. Those members of the workforce that entered the mining industry after the year 2000 accounted for 6.5% and 19.0% of the total hearing loss records for coal and non-coal, respectively. High-risk occupations found in all three commodity sectors (coal; stone, sand, and gravel; and metal/non-metal) were electrician/helper/wireman, mechanic/repairman/helper, bulldozer/tractor operator, and truck driver.Conclusion: Hearing loss risks were not uniform across mining sectors, subunit operations, and occupations. In addition to the continuous efforts of implementing engineering controls to reduce machinery sound level exposure for operators, a multi-level approach may benefit those occupations with a more dynamic exposure profile – e.g., labour/utilityman/bullgang, electrician/helper/wireman, and mechanic/repairman/helper.

Objective: Our focus in this study was the assessment of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) in a large group of rock musicians. A further objective was to analyse tinnitus among rock musicians as related to TEOAEs. Design: The study was a cross-sectional survey of rock musicians selected at random. A control group was included at random for comparison. Study sample: We recruited 111 musicians and a control group of 40 non-musicians. Testing was conducted by using clinical examination, pure tone audiometry, TEOAEs and a questionnaire. Results: TEOAE SNR in the half-octave frequency band centred on 4 kHz was significantly lower bilaterally in musicians than controls. This effect was strongly predicted by age and pure-tone hearing threshold levels in the 3–6 kHz range. Bilateral hearing thresholds were significantly higher at 6 kHz in musicians. Twenty percent of the musicians had permanent tinnitus. There was no association between the TEOAE parameters and permanent tinnitus. Conclusions: Our results suggest an incipient hearing loss at 6 kHz in rock musicians. Loss of TEOAE SNR in the 4 kHz half-octave frequency band was observed, but it was related to higher mean 3–6 kHz hearing thresholds and age. A large proportion of rock musicians have permanent tinnitus.

Objective: The aim of this study is to present a new tool that can be used in the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Even in most countries where noise levels are well regulated, many workers are still exposed to high levels of noise and suffer from permanent threshold shifts. It is necessary to develop a new strategy to prevent such damage. Method: A statistical process control (SPC) scheme is presented that is able to detect both large and small hearing threshold shifts. Monte Carlo simulations were used to assess the performance of this hearing monitoring scheme. Different hearing threshold shifts were simulated to evaluate the performance of a variety of hearing development scenarios. Results: It is possible to detect hearing threshold shifts smaller than the standard deviation of the hearing tests performed. This means that permanent hearing threshold shifts smaller than 5 dB can be detected and acted on. Outliers can also be automatically detected and treated, increasing the robustness of the monitoring scheme. Conclusion: The proposed statistical framework can be used as an early warning indicator of noise-induced hearing loss with the aim of improving workers’ safety. Individual counteractions can be implemented, reducing the risk of further damage. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Audiology on 23 Mar 2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14992027.2017.1303203 . Locked until 23 Mar 2018 due to copyright restrictions

Objectives. To monitor listening habits to personal listening devices (PLDs) using a smartphone application and to compare actual listening habits to self-report data. Design. Two stages: self-report listening habits questionnaire, and real-time monitoring of listening habits through a smartphone application. Study sample. Overall 117 participants aged 18–34 years (mean 25.5 years) completed the questionnaire, and of them, 40 participants (mean age: 25.2 years) were monitored for listening habits during two weeks. Results. Questionnaire main findings indicated that most of the participants reported listening for 4–7 days a week, for at least 30 min at high listening levels with volume control settings at 75–100%. Monitored data showed that actual listening days per week were 1.5–6.5 d, with mean continuous time of 1.56 h, and mean volume control setting of 7.39 (on a scale of 1–15). Eight participants (22%) were found to exceed the 100% noise dose at least once during the monitoring period. One participant (2.7%) exceeded the weekly 100% daily noise dose. Correlations between actual measurements and self-report data were low to moderate. Conclusions. Results confirmed the feasibility of monitoring listening habits by a smartphone application, and underscore the need for such a tool to enable safe listening behaviour.

Objective: To determine the usage and knowledge of safe limits on personal listening devices (PLD) among college students. Design: First, information on health history was collected. Second, microphone in real ear techniques determined eardrum to free-field correction factors. Third, hearing levels were evaluated and information gathered about knowledge of safe listening behaviors. Study sample: 180 college students participated in a one-hour session using their PLDs and earphones set to their personal preference. Results: Virtually all participants reported knowledge of hearing loss risk due to PLD use and accurately recognized their own PLD listening levels (p = .01) as either within or exceeding safe sound limits. Forty-four subjects listened at greater than 80-dBA free-field equivalent levels. Only 7% of these participants were aware of these hazardous levels and 15% of participants’ exposure surpassed free-field equivalent levels normalized to eight hours. Conclusions: Despite reported knowledge of hearing loss risk due to PLD use in virtually all college students, 1 in 4 were found to listen to their PLDs at free-field equivalent levels greater than 80-dBA, with 94% unaware of their potential risk. Further research is needed to provide accurate PLD listening information and evaluate the possibility of long term PLD intensities that surpass recommended safety levels on hearing loss in adults over time.

Orchestral musicians—an at-risk group for noise-induced hearing loss—have consistently reported great difficulty using hearing protection while performing or rehearsing, even when using earplugs specifically designed for musicians. A recent innovation in this field has been electronic earplugs that claim to deliver very high quality sound and only attenuate when sound levels become excessive. This study investigated these claims, aiming to determine whether professional orchestral musicians were able to use these devices and whether they were preferred to existing earplugs. Initially clinical and laboratory testing was carried out on the devices, indicating some spectral alteration of processed sound occurred, however claims of attenuation properties were validated. Following this, 26 orchestral musicians used the devices during rehearsals and performances for at least four weeks, providing feedback throughout this period. While musicians preferred the devices to previous earplugs, they identified issues including difficulty with orchestral balance, perception of dynamics and quality of sound provided by the devices. Results indicate these earplugs are a very positive step towards a usable hearing conservation tool for orchestral musicians to use in conjunction with other risk mitigation measures.[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: indicative information on the impact of wearing these devices upon a musician's sound and volume production during performance.]