Vestibular assessment in chronic noise exposure subjects

Background: The damaging effect of noise on vestibular disturbance is well known, first described in 1890 by Haberman in tinkers with occupational hearing loss. Others have reported vestibular disturbances and abnormalities, such as balance disorders, dizziness, vertigo, and even spontaneous nystagmus in workers exposed to various kinds of occupational noise. Objective: To evaluate vestibular function in subjects with chronic noise exposure.Subjects and methods: Eighty subjects were included in the study, divided into 2 groups: 60 subjects exposed to noise in laundry with mean age 41.53±11.15 (study group) and 20 subjects not exposed to noise with mean age 38.60±6.48 (Control group). All subjects underwent audiovestibular evaluations (puretone audiometry, tympanometry, vedionystagmography, and posturography).Results: This study demonstrated elevated hearing threshold at audiometric frequencies 2-8 KHz (pv <0.001) and speech discrimination (pv <0.001). in addition, marked caloric weakness and reduced SOT composite scores (pv = <0.001), reduced SOT equilibrium scores in noise exposure subjects (pv<0.001), reduced SOT sensory scores in VEST and PREF (Pv <0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between duration of exposure and auditory and vestibular implications. Conclusion: this study revealed apparent effect of noise on auditory and vestibular system

Health effects of noise exposure levels among instrumentalists in pentecostal churches in port harcourt city, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Noise is everywhere in our daily lives and becomes very important as it affects our health. Religion is anintegr al part of daily lives and the use of acoustic and electronic instruments in worship. With the increase in sophistry of these instruments come their attendant untoward effects on the auditory organs of the body. This study was to assess noise exposure levels amongst instrumentalists in Pentecostal churches in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria.MATERIALS & METHODS: Following ethical consideration, 216 consenting respondents from 30 churches in Port Harcourt were recruited by table of random numbers. Structured close ended interviewer administered questionnaire incorporating the Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT) was used to access demographic data. Hearing assessments were also performed using tonal audiometry. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.RESULTS: Most 90.28% and 37.96% of respondents were male and within the 39-45 year-old age range respectively. Also, 80.56% of respondents were aware that loud music can cause permanent hearing loss. The prevalence of NIHL andTinnitus was 39% and 38% respectively; and only 19% used Hearing Protection Devices (HPD). Statistically significant risk of NIHL was observed in musicians who had experienced tinnitus, played only amplified instruments and Music experience greater or equal to 10 years (p=0.001).CONCLUSION: Gospel instrumentalists are exposed to noise in the course of their duties which have significant effect on their hearing. Use of Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) as a personal protective equipment is encouraged just as health education of this group of workers is necessary

Self-reported hearing-related complaints among dental professionals: a questionnaire-based survey

Background: As a result of workplace noise, dental personnel are potentially predisposed to auditory and non-auditory effects of noise which may expose hidden or imminent hearing impairment. There is the need to capture these self-reported hearing and hearing-related complaints using well designed questionnaires as a prelude to formal audiometric tests. Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire study conducted between the periods April to August 2015. Participants were given questionnaires to fill and return which captured socio-demographic data and exposure to noise at workplace and symptoms experienced. Upon return of the questionnaire, each questionnaire was examined to ensure they were properly filled with signed consent. All data and findings were evaluated anonymously. Results: One hundred and thirty eight questionnaires were returned giving 86% response rate, 35(25.4%) reported hearing impairment. Eighteen (13.0%) respondents have experienced tinnitus, while 20 (14.5%) of the respondents experienced Hyperacusis, another 53(38.4%) of the respondents also have difficulty hearing in places with competing noise. Stress and sleep disturbance were also common complains. Conclusion: The presence of especially tinnitus, hyperacusis, impaired hearing in areas with competing sounds are all symptoms indicative of imminent hearing impairment that could be used to predict undetected hearing losses among dental personnel

Occupational Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevalence and Noise Abatement Techniques in a Steel-Making Plant

Background: A high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is observed amongst employees in the steel manufacturing industry. Objective: To determine the prevalence of NIHL and current noise abatement techniques implemented at a steel manufacturing plant. Methods: Structured questionnaires were completed by permanent employees at a steel-manufacturing plant for the purpose of collecting information on occupational and medical histories; noise exposure in and outside the work environment; use of hearing protection devices (HPDs); and current noise abatement procedures. A walk-through survey was also conducted to observe implemented noise abatement techniques using the Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations of 2003 as a guideline. Results: A total of 17.9% of workers suffered from NIHL (95% CI 11.8% - 22.5%). Administrative controls; lubrication and mufflers were identified by more than 70% of the respondents as control procedures most often implemented by the company. Most of the respondents (77%) used HPDs always and 97% indicated that they fit their HPDs at the beginning of the shift. Conclusion: NIHL remains a significant health problem in this steel industry despite the implementation of noise abatement techniques and the implementation of a noise conservation programme with all the required elements

Staff and Patient Perceptions of Noise in SA Hospitals - a Pilot Study

Background: Noise in hospitals can negatively affect users. Guideline noise levels for hospital wards are stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a South African National Standard (SANS). Studies show that few hospitals comply with the guidelines but limited research in South Africa means that conditions in local hospitals are unknown. The objective of this pilot study was to compare measured noise levels with guideline and perceived noise levels in general hospital wards. Methods: Measured and perceived noise levels were assessed; using data obtained from sound level meter readings and questionnaires; respectively; in four hospitals.Results: None of the hospitals complied with the guidelines; with an average Leq;24hr of 53.4 dBA. Yet; most users did not perceive the environment to be excessively noisy. At two of the hospitals it emerged that noise is more disturbing for staff than for patients.Conclusions: The results did not yield the predicted perceptions of noise in hospitals. Further research on a larger sample is required to confirm findings; particularly pertaining to the difference in perceptions between staff and patients

A study Investigating Sound Sources and Noise Levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Background. Exposure to noise in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has the potential to affect neonatal auditory development; sleep patterns and physiological stability; thus impacting on developmental progress.Objectives. This study aimed to identify noise sources in three NICUs in Johannesburg; South Africa; and to determine the sound levels to which neonates in incubators are exposed at various positions in the NICU. These findings were then compared with the standards recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).Methods. A prospective; repeated designs measure was adopted. Sound levels were recorded in 5 different areas of the NICUs at four different times of the day over the course of 3 days. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results. Sound levels recorded in all the NICUs were considerably higher than those recommended by the AAP; placing vulnerable neonates at risk for developmental disorders. Significantly; most of the noise was human-generated; highlighting the need to develop awareness of the negative effects of noise in the NICU and to implement programmes to reduce noise.Conclusion. The findings have important implications for neonatal care; and highlight the importance of noise reduction and monitoring strategies in the NICU

A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Aircraft Noise on Families who Reside in Close Proximity to an Airport

Background: The use of air transportation has grown in the last century; escalating the noise exposure of families residing in close proximity to airports. The audiological effects need to be assessed to determine the impact of this increase on children and young adults living near to airports in South Africa.Method: Hearing patterns for these individuals were compared to those residing 30 km away from the airport. Sixty people; between the ages of 12-30 years; were assessed. Participants completed a questionnaire and were subjected to a diagnostic audiological test battery and tested using diagnostic distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).Results: Participants residing in close proximity to the airport presented with a notch configuration in the high frequencies; as opposed to those who lived further away. DPOAEs indicated a change in hearing in the high frequencies between the test populations. The positive relationship between the pure tone results and the DPOAEs strengthens the claim that aircraft noise has an effect on the hearing patterns of individuals living near to airports. Participants also experienced annoyance resulting from such noise.Conclusion: The results highlight the need for investigation into the hearing of individuals who reside in close proximity to airports. Comprehensive studies will be informative and beneficial to the field of audiology in South Africa. The highlighted health and safety issues require in-depth study to formulate a stronger argument for monitoring the hearing of families who are exposed to aircraft noise

Industrial Noise Pollution and its Effect on the Hearing Capabilities of Workers : A Study from Saw Mills; Printing Presses and Corn Mills

The purpose of this study was to ascertain industrial noise pollution and its effects on the hearing capabilities of workers. The procedure adopted included noise measurements; otoscopy; audiometric evaluation and assessment of medical history. The results showed that noise levels in corn mills and saw mills exceed 85dBA. The average noise level measured in the printing industry was 85dBA. It was also found that 23; 20and 7.9of workers in corn mills; saw mills and the printing industry have evidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). A highly significant correlation was found between noise exposure level; duration of exposure and the development of NIHL in corm mills and saw mills but not in the printers. Hearing - impairment was also observed at the speech frequencies among some of the workers exposed to hazardous noise. These findings suggest that more specific intervention is required to protect workers exposed to such hazards at the work places employed in this study

Noise induced hearing loss

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is most often an occupational induced deafness which has no treatment to reverse the effects of noise. High noise levels have been recorded in many manufacturing establishments in Seychelles; and 33 per cent of pure tone audiograms done early NIHL in workers - similar to figures in both the developed and the developing world. NIHL is the most widespread industrial disease. The site of damage is the organ of Corti; initially causing a temporary threshold shift (TTS); but with further exposure to noise the hearing loss becomes permanent. Some degree of deafness often accompanied by tinnitus are the clinical result; characterized by a 4KHz dip in audiometry. There are also non-auditory non specific effects of noise. The only answer to NIHL is prevention by instituting occupational hearing conservation programmes at worksites. Doctors too should motivate workers to wear hearing protection