Evaluation of tinnitus severity in military personnel after exposure to high intensity noise

Abstract

Aim to evaluate the severity of tinnitus before and after medical treatment in military personnel exposed to high-intensity noise.
 Material and methods. The study involved 14 soldiers with complaints of tinnitus who suffered hearing damage caused by gunshot noise (AK74 gun) during military training without hearing protectors. The tinnitus severity and its dynamics during the treatment by glucocorticosteroids was assessed using the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) was used before the treatment, on the 3rd and 7th days after the treatment.
 Results. It was found that the greatest discomfort was caused by the intrusiveness of noise and inability to control it during the day, and the least discomfort was associated with sleep. The changes in the severity of noise on the THI and TFI scales on the third and seventh days after treatment were significantly different, if compared with the pre-treatment results, and had a positive trend. The therapy provided the significant decrease of noise intrusiveness and established the sense of noise control during the day, as well as minimized its effect on relaxation, hearing and quality of life, if compared to the data before treatment.
 Conclusion. The TFI and THI scales are recommended for assessing the severity of tinnitus and monitoring the treatment of patients exposed to high-intensity noise. Particular attention should be paid to the use of personal hearing protection equipment when working in conditions of increased level of noise.