Epidemiology of firearm and other noise exposures in the United States

Abstract

Objective Identify contemporary noise exposures and hearing protection use among adults. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of national health survey. Methods Adult respondents in the 2014 National Health Interview Series hearing survey module were analyzed. Potentially harmful exposures to occupational and recreational noises in the past 12 months were extracted and quantified. Patterns of hearing protection use also were analyzed. Results Among 239.7 million adults, “loud” and “very loud” occupational noise exposures were reported by 5.3% and 21.7%, respectively. Of those exposed to “loud” or “very loud” sounds at work, only 18.7% and 43.6%, respectively, always used hearing protection. A total of 38.2% (1.9 million) of those with “very loud” occupational exposures never used hearing protection. Frequent (> 10/year) “loud” and “very loud” recreational noise exposures were reported by 13.9% and 21.1%, respectively, most commonly to lawn mowers (72.6% and 55.2%, respectively). When exposed to recreational “loud/very loud” noise, only 11.4% always used hearing protection, whereas 62.3% (6.3 million) never used any protection. Lifetime exposure to firearm noise was reported by 36.6% of adults, 11.5% of whom had used firearms in the prior 12 months. Of those, only 58.5% always used hearing protection, whereas 21.4% (7.4 million) never used hearing protection. Conclusion Substantial noise exposures with potentially serious long-term hearing health consequences frequently are occurring in occupational and recreational settings, and with the use of firearms. Only a minority of those exposed consistently are using hearing protection. Healthcare providers should actively identify and encourage the use of hearing protection with those patients at risk.

Cardiovascular conditions, hearing difficulty, and occupational noise exposure within US industries and occupations

“…A recent publication, also examining the 2014 NHIS dataset, related to noise exposures among all US adults reported similar results. 32 Tak et al 1 also estimated that 22 million US workers were exposed to occupational noise in the past 12 months using 1999–2004 NHANES data. This number has not improved in the subsequent 10–15 years, although the percentage exposed decreased from 17% to 14%.…”

Chronic Health Risks in Commercial Fishermen: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Small Rural Fishing Village in Alaska

“…In a recent survey of hearing protection and occupational noise exposure, 18.7% of adults exposed to loud noise and 43.6% of adults exposed to very loud noise reported always wearing hearing protection. 24…”

Sociodemographic correlates of occupational, recreational and firearm noise exposure among adults in the USA

“…Besides occupational exposure, recreational noise exposure is also prevalent in the USA, and could be more insidious. 11,12 At least 100 million individuals are exposed to noise from traffic near their homes each year in the USA. 6 Additionally, individuals who frequently engage in woodwork, power tool use and metalwork, and drivers of noisy vehicles or motorcycles, are exposed to higher noise levels and are at greater risk of developing hearing loss.…”

“…6 Additionally, individuals who frequently engage in woodwork, power tool use and metalwork, and drivers of noisy vehicles or motorcycles, are exposed to higher noise levels and are at greater risk of developing hearing loss. 12–14 Other common sources of social noise include nightclubs, concerts and personal music players. 1,12 With the increased use of personal music devices by young people, the proportion of overall noise exposure and subsequent risk of hearing loss due to recreational activities will likely increase.…”