Tinnitus and Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap in Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Firefighters are susceptible to auditory dysfunction due to long-term exposure to noise from sirens, air horns, equipment, and tools used in forcible entry, ventilation, and extrication. In addition, they are exposed to ototoxic chemicals, particularly, during overhaul operations. Studies indicate that 40% of firefighters have hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is often accompanied by tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing noise in the ears. The presence of phantom sounds can adversely affect the performance of firefighters. However, there has been limited research conducted on the prevalence of tinnitus in firefighters. We enrolled firefighters from Michigan, with at least 5 years of continuous service. The hearing handicap inventory for adults (HHIA) was used to determine the difficulty in hearing perceived by the firefighters and the tinnitus functional index (TFI) was used to determine the severity of tinnitus. Self-perceived hearing handicap was reported by 36% of the participants, while tinnitus was reported by 48% of the participants. The TFI survey indicated that 31% perceived tinnitus as a problem. More importantly, self-perceived hearing handicap was significantly associated with the incidence of tinnitus in firefighters, suggesting a potential link between occupational exposure to ototraumatic agents and tinnitus in firefighters.

Surrounded by Sound: The Impact of Tinnitus on Musicians

“…'Sense of control' scores, although lower than observed in a general tinnitus research population were still rather high at 46.7 points. As previous research reported, musicians are at risk of noise exposure at work [14][15][16][17][18], and they may be aware that their tinnitus has arisen from occupational noise exposure leading to some feelings of personal responsibility and control. An internal locus of control has been suggested to be a mediating factor in how concerned musicians are about their tinnitus [51] and as such may be connected to anxiety experienced.…”

“…Exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace has contributed to hearing loss [13]. Unsafe exposure to noise is common in some workplaces including construction, farming, and the music industry [14][15][16][17][18]. For those working in construction and the music industry, exposure to occupational noise is the biggest risk factor associated with tinnitus and hearing difficulties [18].…”

Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Using Investigational Medicines for the Inner Ear: Previous Trial Outcomes Should Inform Future Trial Design

“…The TFI has been used in several tinnitus clinical trials (13,60,180) and it has been used in studies on noise-induced tinnitus (66). Greater consistency in measurement and reporting of tinnitus within studies on NIHL prevention is urgently needed, and updated review of the literature would be helpful in guiding the selection of tinnitus measurement tools.…”

Exploring the criteria and factors affecting firefighters’ resilience: A qualitative study

“…Fire is known as one of the main public safety concern all over the world, causing 200,000 deaths each year. 1 Firefighting is inherently a hazardous job 2 , 3 and they are exposed to dangerous situations when saving people in danger. 4 Therefore, they always face unknown and dynamic environments.…”