Progressive Asymmetry in Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Large Population-Based Cohort Study With a 15-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Background: To evaluate interaural differences between the right and left ears at frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz in 3 groups of workers from metallurgy companies. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional cohort study. Workers were divided into 3 groups: (1) workers without occupational noise exposure and normal audiometric testing; (2) workers with 10 years of occupational noise exposure; and (3) workers with 15 years of occupational noise exposure. The interaural difference from 0.25 to 8 kHz was measured in each group. Results: A total of 2103 workers were included. Of these, 483 workers had been exposed to noise in the workplace for 10 years and 216 workers for 15 years. Group 1, only at 4 and 6 kHz, the difference was statistically significant. Group 2, only at 3 , 4 , and 6 kHz, the difference was statistically significant. Group 3, the difference was statistically significant at the frequencies from 2 to 8 kHz. Conclusion: Asymmetry between the right and left ears was observed in all groups, with higher air-conduction thresholds in the left ear. It is important for otolaryngologists be aware that NIHL can also cause or accentuate asymmetry between the right and left ears over time.

Study of Noise Effect of Slag Storage Technology on Surrounding Environment

“…due to their distance from the residential area, do not have any impact on the assessed protected area [13,14].…”

“…Deskulling of the slag pots is carried out in summer at the reference time interval day and evening (6 am-10 pm) and, in winter, also at the reference time interval night (10 pm-6 am). Traffic noise associated with the operation of the metallurgical plant is not subject to assessment-car and rail traffic routes are located away from the assessment area and, due to their distance from the residential area, do not have any impact on the assessed protected area [13,14].…”

Music to Define a Generation: Factors Associated With Hearing Protection Use at Music Venues

“…Frequency of use was measured by asking, "Which of the following best describes your use of ear protection during music venues?" measured on a five-point Likert scale from never (0) to always (5). Protection type used was recorded (foam earplugs, high-fidelity ear plugs, moldable ear plugs, overear headphones, and other).…”

“…However, event attendance increases exposure to sustained periods of high-decibel sounds, leaving participants vulnerable to consequences such as hearing loss, particularly among young adults (4). While chronic attendance can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (5), even short-term exposure to loud music induces negative hearing threshold shifts at high frequencies (6). Commonly, music events produce continuous mean noise levels that meet or exceed 101.1 dBA, surpassing recommended occupational exposure limits of 12 minutes at this noise level (7).…”

New Paradigm of Music Listening: Hearing Protection Perceptions and Treatment Decision‐Making Among Music Venue Attendees

“…Despite the impact loud music exposure has on hearing and attendees' frequent endorsement of hearing‐related symptoms following events, 6,7 rates of hearing protection (HP) use at such venues are estimated to be 2% to 8% 8‐10 . Furthermore, no HP or sound exposure regulations exist at these events despite clear HP use guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for work environments, where HP use rates range from 32.8% to 80% 11‐13 …”