Hearing loss and its relationship with blood pressure among workers exposed to noise in a brewery / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the health status of workers exposed to noise in a brewery in Beijing and to analyze the relationship between hearing loss and blood pressure. Methods A total of 949 noise-exposed workers in a brewery who participated in occupational health examination were selected as the investigation subjects. A survey was conducted to investigate the pure tone hearing threshold and abnormal blood pressure of the workers with different characteristics, and to analyze the relationship between the two. Results Among the noise-exposed workers, the detection rates of hearing abnormality, hypertension, and increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 73.55%, 52.37%, 43.84% and 46.47%, respectively. The detection rates of hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average in males were higher than those in females (P 0.05), the detection rates of other hearing abnormality, indicators of hypertension, speech frequency hearing threshold abnormality, high frequency hearing threshold abnormality，increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average and the weighted value of the better ear's hearing threshold all increased or had an increasing trend with the increase of age or working years (P< 0.05). The detection rates of hypertension in the groups with high frequency hearing threshold abnormality and increased binaural high frequency hearing threshold on average were higher than those in the normal group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The noise-exposed workers in the brewery have hearing impairment, which is related to the occurrence of hypertension. It is recommended to strengthen the publicity and education on noise protection and take protective measures to reduce the occurrence of occupational noise injury.

Path analysis on relationship among tested hearing thresholds, conscious hearing, and negative emotions in noise-exposed workers / 环境与职业医学

Background The correlation between noise exposure and negative emotions of noise-exposed workers has received increasing attention and related studies have been reported. However, there is a lack of research on the path and effect analysis of the relationship between noise exposure and negative emotions, which will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the health damage characteristics of noise in addition to hearing loss. Objective To explore the path and effects of cumulative noise exposure, tested hearing thresholds, and conscious hearing level of noise-exposed workers on negative emotions. Methods Using stratified random sampling, 312 noise-exposed workers from a machinery and equipment manufacturing enterprise were selected. Occupational history, negative emotions (including the feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression), and conscious hearing level of the workers were investigated using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21) and a self-made questionnaire. The hearing threshold of the workers was measured by pure tone air conduction audiometry. Sound level meter was used to measure noise equivalent sound level at selected work sites. Individual cumulative noise exposure was estimated based on work site noise level and personal noise exposure history. Path analysis was used to analyze potential mediating effects of workers' hearing thresholds and conscious hearing levels on the relationship between noise exposure and negative emotions (including stress, anxiety, and depression). Results The positive rates of negative emotions among the 312 noise-exposed workers were 18.27% (57/312) for stress, 46.79% (146/312) for anxiety, and 28.53% (89/312) for depression; the cumulative noise exposure ranged from 101.0 to 136.1 dB(A)·d, with an average of 125.69 dB(A)·d. The distributions of tested hearing thresholds and conscious hearing levels among the workers exposed to noise were significantly inconsistent (P<0.001), with both unweighted and weighted Kappa values less than 0.4. The percentage of workers with conscious hearing levels higher than their hearing threshold levels was 16.0%, and the percentage of workers with conscious hearing levels lower than conscious hearing levels was 38.7%. The path analysis results showed that tested hearing thresholds had no mediating effect on the relationship between cumulative noise exposure and negative emotions. There was a partial mediating effect of conscious hearing level on the relationship between cumulative noise exposure and negative emotions, with a mediating effect value of 0.06 (95%CI: 0.03, 0.11) and a mediating effect ratio of 28.57%. Conclusion Conscious hearing plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between cumulative noise exposure and negative emotions of noise-exposed workers, while tested hearing thresholds do not.

Investigation and analysis of the factors influencing the measurements of hearing threshold / 公共卫生与预防医学

Background The hearing of Chinese young adults is far less sensitive than 0 dB defined by international standards, with the threshold values mostly being at double digits, which is worthy of investigation. Objective To study the influencing factors of hearing threshold measurement. Methods The hearing measurements were conducted in two different ways, one was a standard method performed in a specialized audiometry experiment room, and the other one was an on-site audiometry test which included a daily examination of hearing and an onsite hearing test. From the workers who participated in the occupational health examination, 300 people were randomly selected as experimental subjects, and their hearing was measured in the hearing examination room of the Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute according to standard methods. A total of 9 766 workers from the General Motors factory were included in the daily group, and their hearing thresholds were measured in the hearing examination room in the factory. There were 4 617 people in the onsite group, and their hearing was measured in the test chamber of our mobile medical vehicle in their factories. The hearing threshold data of the three groups, i.e. experiment, daily examination and on-site, was compared and analyzed. In addition, the environmental noise in the hearing examination room and the mobile test chamber was measured. Results The hearing threshold value of the experimental group was the lowest. Despite this, its dB value remained at double digits at any frequency band. The hearing value of the daily group was in the middle. The onsite group had the highest hearing threshold, which was 58.2% higher than that of the experimental group. As the hearing data was not normally distributed, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test was conducted for statistical analysis. It was found that the hearing threshold difference among the three groups was statistically significant at all the frequency band (P< 0.01). The ambient noise level was 23.9-28.3 dB(A) in the hearing examination room, and 32.5 - 67.9 dB (A) in the mobile test chamber. Age and gender were not confounding factors to the results. Conclusion The hearing test method and its environmental noise were able to make the threshold measurements shift up significantly. The environmental noise of the mobile test chamber in the examination vehicle has exceeded the standard and needs to be improved.

Relative contributions of auditory and cognitive functions on speech recognition in quiet and in noise among older adults / Contribuições relativas das funções auditivas e cognitivas no reconhecimento da fala no silêncio e no ruído entre idosos

Abstract Introduction: Hearing acuity, central auditory processing and cognition contribute to the speech recognition difficulty experienced by older adults. Therefore, quantifying the contribution of these factors on speech recognition problem is important in order to formulate a holistic and effective rehabilitation. Objective: To examine the relative contributions of auditory functioning and cognition status to speech recognition in quiet and in noise. Methods: We measured speech recognition in quiet and in composite noise using the Malay Hearing in noise test on 72 native Malay speakers (60-82 years) older adults with normal to mild hearing loss. Auditory function included pure tone audiogram, gaps-in-noise, and dichotic digit tests. Cognitive function was assessed using the Malay Montreal cognitive assessment. Results: Linear regression analyses using backward elimination technique revealed that had the better ear four frequency average (0.5-4 kHz) (4FA), high frequency average and Malay Montreal cognitive assessment attributed to speech perception in quiet (total r2 = 0.499). On the other hand, high frequency average, Malay Montreal cognitive assessment and dichotic digit tests contributed significantly to speech recognition in noise (total r2 = 0.307). Whereas the better ear high frequency average primarily measured the speech recognition in quiet, the speech recognition in noise was mainly measured by cognitive function. Conclusions: These findings highlight the fact that besides hearing sensitivity, cognition plays an important role in speech recognition ability among older adults, especially in noisy environments. Therefore, in addition to hearing aids, rehabilitation, which trains cognition, may have a role in improving speech recognition in noise ability of older adults.

Resumo Introdução: A alteração da acuidade auditiva, do processamento auditivo central e da cognição são fatores que contribuem para a dificuldade de reconhecimento da fala em idosos. Portanto, quantificar a contribuição desses fatores no problema de reconhecimento da fala é importante para a formulação de uma reabilitação holística e efetiva. Objetivo: Examinar as contribuições relativas do funcionamento auditivo e do estado cognitivo para o reconhecimento da fala no silêncio e no ruído. Método: Nós medimos o reconhecimento de fala no silêncio e no ruído composto com o teste Malay hearing in noise test em 72 idosos malaios nativos falantes (60-82 anos) com audição normal a perda auditiva de grau leve. A avaliação da função auditiva incluiu audiograma de tons puros, teste gaps-in-noise e testes dicótico de dígitos. A função cognitiva foi avaliada pelo teste Malay Montreal cognitive assessment. Resultados: Análises de regressão linear com técnicas de eliminação backward na orelha melhor revelaram média de quatro frequências (0,5-4 kHz) (4AF), média de alta frequência e teste Malay Montreal cognitive assessment na orelha melhor, mensurada pela percepção da fala no silêncio (r2 total = 0,499). Por outro lado, a média de alta frequência, Malay Montreal cognitive assessment e o teste dicótico de dígitos contribuíram significativamente para o reconhecimento da fala no ruído (r2 total = 0,307). Enquanto a média de alta frequência da melhor orelha mediu principalmente o reconhecimento da fala no silêncio, o reconhecimento da fala no ruído foi mensurado principalmente pela função cognitiva. Conclusões: Esses achados destacam o fato de que, além da sensibilidade auditiva, a cognição desempenha um papel importante na capacidade de reconhecimento da fala em idosos, principalmente em ambientes ruidosos. Portanto, além de aparelhos auditivos, a reabilitação, que treina a cognição, pode ter um papel na melhoria da capacidade do reconhecimento da fala no ruído entre os idosos.

Effect of Listening to Music Over Ear Phones/Head Phones on Hearing

Music has always been an effective way to pass time. With the advent of cell phones, most of the people have an easy means to access music as almost all the phones are capable of playing music. Low quality ear phones are available at an affordable price. Adolescent and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss by listening to music with ear phones / head phones. Aim: The present study is an effort to know the effect of listening to music for longer duration through ear phones in young adults. Methods: The present study is conducted at Government Medical College, Anantapuramu on 100 subjects. 50 subjects who listened to music through ear phones for more than 2 hours/day and for 2 years or more were included in group A. 50 subjects who very occasionally used ear phones were included in group B. All subjects were made to undergo Pure Tone Audiometry in the audiometry room in both ears using pure tones of 250 Hz – 12000 Hz frequencies. Results: None of the subjects in Group B reported any hearing problem. Self-reported hearing problems in group A participants recorded. In Group A, 66% of subjects had no hearing problems and 34% of subjects had different hearing problems. There is significant increase in hearing threshold of Group A subjects at high frequencies compared to Group B. Conclusion: The output levels from cell phone are high enough to cause music induced hearing loss when phones are used at high volume for long periods. It is necessary to educate oneself about the dangers and use methods to prevent its harmful effects. Regular audiometric screening of all mobile phone users is recommended.

Mode of recording and modulation frequency effects of auditory steady state response thresholds / Modo de registro e efeitos da modulação em frequências nos limiares de resposta auditiva de estado estável

Abstract Introduction The performance of auditory steady state response (ASSR) in threshold testing when recorded ipsilaterally and contralaterally, as well as at low and high modulation frequencies (MFs), has not been systematically studied. Objective To verify the influences of mode of recording (ipsilateral vs. contralateral) and modulation frequency (40 Hz vs. 90 Hz) on ASSR thresholds. Methods Fifteen female and 14 male subjects (aged 18–30 years) with normal hearing bilaterally were studied. Narrow-band CE-chirp® stimuli (centerd at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) modulated at 40 and 90 Hz MFs were presented to the participants' right ear. The ASSR thresholds were then recorded at each test frequency in both ipsilateral and contralateral channels. Results Due to pronounced interaction effects between mode of recording and MF (p < 0.05 by two-way repeated measures ANOVA), mean ASSR thresholds were then compared among four conditions (ipsi-40 Hz, ipsi-90 Hz, contra-40 Hz, and contra-90 Hz) using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. At the 500 and 1000 Hz test frequencies, contra-40 Hz condition produced the lowest mean ASSR thresholds. In contrast, at high frequencies (2000 and 4000 Hz), ipsi-90 Hz condition revealed the lowest mean ASSR thresholds. At most test frequencies, contra-90 Hz produced the highest mean ASSR thresholds. Conclusions Based on the findings, the present study recommends two different protocols for an optimum threshold testing with ASSR, at least when testing young adults. This includes the use of contra-40 Hz recording mode due to its promising performance in hearing threshold estimation.

Resumo Introdução O desempenho da resposta auditiva de estado estável (RAEE) em testes de limiar com registros ipsilateral e contralateral e modulações em frequências (MFs) não tem sido sistematicamente estudado. Objetivo Verificar a influência do modo de registro (ipsilateral vs. contralateral) e da modulação em frequências (40 Hz vs. 90 Hz) nos limiares de RAEE. Método Foram estudados 15 mulheres e 14 homens (18-30 anos) com audição bilateral normal. Estímulos CE-chirp® de banda estreita (centrados em 500, 1.000, 2.000 e 4.000 Hz) modulados em 40 e 90 Hz de MF foram apresentados à orelha direita dos participantes. Em seguida, os limiares de RAEE foram registrados em cada frequência de teste nos canais ipsilateral e contralateral. Resultados Devido aos pronunciados efeitos de interação entre o modo de registro e MF (p < 0,05 por variância com dois fatores para medidas repetidas – Anova duas vias), os limiares médios de RAEE foram então comparados entre quatro condições (Ipsi-40 Hz, Ipsi-90 Hz, Contra-40 Hz e Contra-90 Hz), com o uso de variância e com um fator para medidas repetidas (Anova uma via). Nas frequências de teste de 500 e 1.000 Hz, a condição Contra-40 Hz produziu os mais baixos limiares médios de RAEE. Em contraste, em altas frequências (2.000 e 4.000 Hz), a condição Ipsi-90 Hz revelou os mais baixos limiares médios de RAEE. Na maioria das frequências de teste, a condição Contra-90 Hz produziu os mais elevados limiares médios de RAEE. Conclusões Com base nos achados do presente estudo, os autores recomendam dois protocolos diferentes para um teste de limiares ideal com RAEE, pelo menos em adultos jovens. Isso inclui o uso do modo de registro Contra-40 Hz, devido ao seu desempenho promissor nas estimativas do limiar auditivo.

Study on relationship between SLC26A4 gene IVS16+10C>T mutation and hereditary deafness / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between hereditary deafness and SLC26A4 gene IVS16+10C>T mutation.Methods One hundred and two patients with hereditary deafness admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College from January 2014 to May 2016 were enrolled and assigned as the observation group, and another 102 cases with normal hearing were selected as the control group. The gene mutation types and hearing thresholds were detected in the two groups and compared between them, the mutations of alleles 1 and 2 situations of patients with GJB2 and SLC26A4 mutations were analyzed, Ab initio software was used to predict whether there was obstacle preventing the recognition on slice sites, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was adopted to detect the common mutation types of SLC26A4 gene.Results In 102 patients with hereditary deafness, the cases caused by SLC26A4 gene mutations were more than those caused by GJB2 gene mutations (30 cases vs. 15 cases). Compared with the normal hearing control group, the mutation rates of GJB2 and SLC26A4 genes were significantly increased in the observation group [GJB2: 14.71% (15/102) vs. 2.94% (3/102), SLC26A4: 29.41% (30/102) vs. 1.96%(2/102), bothP T mutation, indicating that IVS16+10C>T gene mutation was not the cause of genetic deafness.Conclusion There is no obvious relationship between the IVS16+10C>T mutation of SLC26A4 gene and patients with hereditary deafness, which may provide a basis clinically for the prediction of deafness occurrence in the patient's next generation.

Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture plus Chinese Herbs for Sensorineural Hearing Loss / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus Chinese herbs in treating sensorineural hearing loss.Method Eighty patients with sensorineural hearing loss were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by conventional medication, while the treatment group by acupuncture in addition to the intervention given to the control group. The two groups were intervened once a day, 30 days as a treatment course. The serum interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels and pure tone hearing threshold value were observed before and after consecutive 2 treatment courses, and the clinical efficacies in the two groups were compared.Result The serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and sIL-2R and pure tone hearing threshold value were significantly changed after the treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the serum IL-2, IL-6, sIL-2R levels and pure tone hearing threshold value between the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 94.6% in the treatment group versus 84.2% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus Chinese herbs is an effective approach in treating sensorineural hearing loss.

Study the impacts of diagnosis on occupational noise-induced deafness after bring into the different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#Study of the results and the degree on occupational noise-induced deafness in-to the different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value, in order to provide theoretical basis for the re-vision of diagnostic criteria on occupational noise-induced deafness.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was con-ducted to investigate the cases on the diagnosis of occupational noise-induced deafness in Guangdong province hospital for occupational disease prevention and treatment from January 2016 to January 2017. Based on the re-sults of the 3 hearing test for each test interval greater than 3 days in the hospital, the best threshold of each frequency was obtained, and based on the diagnostic criteria of occupational noise deafness in 2007 edition, Chi square test, t test and variance analysis were used to measure SPSS21.0 data, their differences are tested among the means of speech frequency and the high frequency weighted value into different age group, noise ex-posure group, and diagnostic classification between different dimensions.@*Results@#1. There were totally 168 cases in accordance with the study plan, male 154 cases, female 14 cases, the average age was 41.18 ±6.07 years old. 2. The diagnosis rate was increased into the weighted value of different high frequency than the mean value of pure speech frequency, the weighted 4 kHz frequency increased by 13.69% (χ2=9.880, P=0.002) , 6 kHz increased by 15.47% (χ2=9.985, P=0.002) and 4 kHz+6 kHz increased by15.47% (χ2=9.985, P=0.002) , the difference was statistically significant. The diagnostic rate of different high threshold had no obvious differ-ence between the genders. 3. The age groups were divided into less than or equal to 40years old group (A group) and 40-50 years old group (group B) , there were higher the diagnostic rate between high frequency weighted 4 kHz (A group χ2=3.380, P=0.050; B group χ2=4.054, P=0.032) , weighted 6 kHz (A group χ2=6.362, P=0.012; B group χ2=4.054, P=0.032) , high frequency weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz (A group χ2=6.362, P=0.012; B group χ2=4.054, P=0.032) than those of speech frequency average value in the same group on oc-cupational noise-induced deafness diagnosis rate, the difference was statistically significant. There was no sig-nificant difference between age groups (χ2=2.265, P=0.944) . 4. The better ear's mean value of pure speech fre-quency and the weighted values into different high frequency of working years on each group were compared, working years more than 10 years group was significantly higher than that of average thresholds of each frequen-cy band in 3-5 group (F=2.271, P=0.001) , 6-10 group (F=1.563, P=0.046) , the difference was statistically significant. The different high frequency weighted values were higher than those of the mean value of pure speech frequency, and the high frequency weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz had the highest frequency difference, with an average increase of 2.83 dB. 5. The diagnostic rate into weighted different high frequency was higher in the mild, moderate and severe grades than in the pure speech frequency. In the comparison of diagnosis for mild occupational noise-induced deafness, in addition to the weighted 3 kHz high frequency (χ2=3.117, P=0.077) had no significant difference, the weighted 4 kHz (χ2=10.835, P=0.001) , 6 kHz (χ2=9.985, P=0.002) , 3 kHz+4 kHz (χ2=6.315, P=0.012) , 3 kHz+6 kHz (χ2=6.315, P=0.012) , 4 kHz+6 kHz (χ2=9.985, P=0.002) , 3 kHz+4 kHz+6 kHz (χ2=7.667, P=0.002) were significantly higher than the diagnosis rate of the mean value of pure speech frequency. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the moderate and se-vere grades (P>0.05) .@*Conclusion@#Bring into different high frequency hearing threshold weighted value in-creases the diagnostic rate of occupational noise-induced deafness, the weighted 4 kHz, 6 kHz and 4 kHz+ 6 kHz high frequency value affects the result greatly, and the weighted 4 kHz+6 kHz high frequency hearing threshold value is maximum the effect on occupational noise-induced deafness diagnosis.

Role of green tea polyphenols in noise-induced hearing loss / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective@#To investigate the role and mechanism of action of green tea polyphenols in noise-induced hearing loss.@*Methods@#Male specific pathogen-free guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control group with 9 guinea pigs, noise exposure group with 36 guinea pigs, and green tea polyphenol intervention group with 36 guinea pigs. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold shift was examined before noise exposure and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of noise exposure. The surface preparation of cochlear basilar membrane was used for hair cell count and the morphology of hair cells was also observed. Western blot was used to observe the expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-9 (caspase-9) and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (caspase-3) in cochlear tissue.@*Results@#Both the noise exposure group and the green tea polyphenol intervention group had an increase in ABR threshold after noise exposure, and the green tea polyphenol intervention group had a significantly lower ABR threshold shift than the noise exposure group at all time points (P<0.05). Both groups had enlargement, atrophy, or loss of hair cells after noise exposure, and at 7 and 14 days of noise exposure, the noise exposure group had a significantly higher rate of abnormal hair cells than the green tea polyphenol intervention group (P<0.05). Both groups had an increase in the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3 after noise exposure, and the noise exposure group had a significantly greater increase than the green tea polyphenol intervention group (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Green tea polyphenols can reduce noise-induced hearing loss and hair cell injury, possibly by regulating the expression of caspase-9 and caspase-3.

Changes of hearing ability at different frequency in noise exposure workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of noise exposure on the hearing ability at different frequency in workers.METHODS: A total of 2 411 workers in a mechanical plant in Guangzhou were chosen as the study subjects by using judgment sampling method. The pure tone audiometry threshold test was carried out to analyze the status of hearing loss at different frequencies and its relationship with the length of service of workers. RESULTS: Among the 2 411 workers,883 workers had different degrees of decreased hearing thresholds,the detection rate was 36. 6%. Among them,the single unilateral hearing loss accounted for 19. 6%( 472/2 411),and the binaural hearing loss was 17. 0%( 411/2 411). The hearing loss detection rate of left ear was higher than that of the right ear( P < 0. 05). The decreased threshold of left ear at 0. 5,3. 0 and 6. 0 kHz was higher than that of the right ear at the same frequencies( P < 0. 05). The decreased threshold in both the left and the right ear increased with the increase of the frequency( P < 0. 01). The decreased hearing threshold was the highest at the frequency of 6. 0 kHz. The auditory threshold of left ear in 0. 5,1. 0,2. 0,3. 0 and 6. 0 kHz were higher than that of right ear at the same frequencies( P < 0. 05). The detection rate of hearing loss increased with the increase of service length( P < 0. 01). The decreased threshold of 1. 0-6. 0 kHz increased with the increased length of service except for the frequency of 0. 5 kHz( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: There is a significant decreased threshold in workers exposed to noise frequency of 6. 0 kHz. The hearing ability of left ear is more easily impaired than the right ear.There is a dose-response relationship for the length of noise exposure and hearing loss.

Comparative study on the diagnostic criteria of occupational noise-induced deafness between version 2014 and version 2007 / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of GBZ 49-2014 Diagnosis of Occupational Noise-induced Deafness and GBZ49-2007 Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational Noise-induced Deafness on the diagnosis of occupational noise-induced deafness( ONID). METHODS: A total of 84 individuals,who were workers exposed to noise and diagnosed as observation subjects by GBZ 49-2007 were selected as the subjects of study by judgment sampling. They were diagnosed based on the criteria of GBZ 49-2014 and GBZ 49-2007. The impact of different diagnostic audiometry,different age and gender correction methods and the inclusion of a weighting of 0. 1 high-frequency 4. 0 k Hz hearing threshold of GBZ 49-2014 on the diagnosis of ONID was analyzed. RESULTS: The binaural high frequency threshold average( BHFTA) calculated by GBZ 49-2014 were lower than that of GBZ 49-2007 [( 52. 1 ± 10. 3) vs( 52. 8 ± 10. 1) d B,P < 0. 05 ],but monaural threshold of weighted value( MTWV) of the good ear calculated by GBZ 49-2014 were higher than speech frequency threshold average( SPTA) of the good ear of GBZ 49-2007 [( 23. 2 ± 4. 1) vs( 19. 3 ± 4. 8) d B,P < 0. 01]. All of the 84 patients had BHFTA ≥40 d B and SPTA < 26 d B when diagnosed by GBZ 49-2007,and could not be diagnosed as ONID. A total of33. 3% patients had BHFTA ≥40 d B and MTWV ≥26 d B when diagnosed by GBZ 49-2014 which could be diagnosed as mild ONID. The detection rate of ONID was 21. 4% to 34. 5%( P < 0. 01) when the threshold of 4. 0 k Hz was used as the weighting diagnostic threshold of hearing in the case of using different diagnostic audiograms and different age and sex correction methods. CONCLUSION: A high-frequency hearing threshold of 4. 0 k Hz with a weighting of 0. 1 was included in GBZ 49-2014 as a diagnostic threshold,which reduced the diagnostic threshold of ONID.

Association Between Hearing Impairment and Albuminuria With or Without Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have evaluated the accurate association between hearing loss (HL) and albuminuria in patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of our study was to identify the clinical effects of albuminuria on HL with or without DM. METHODS: This study included 9,762 patients from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2013. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on DM and urine albumin/creatinine ratio levels: group 1 included participants with neither DM nor albuminuria, group 2 included participants without DM and with albuminuria, group 3 included patients with DM and without albuminuria, and group 4 included patients with both DM and albuminuria. The low- or mid-frequency and high-frequency, and average hearing threshold values were obtained. RESULTS: There were 7,508, 545, 1,325, and 384 participants in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the 3 hearing thresholds in group 1 were the lowest and those in group 4 were the highest among the 4 groups. No significant differences were observed in those thresholds between groups 2 and 3. Group 4 was associated with HL compared with the other groups, but moderate to severe HL was not associated with DM or albuminuria. CONCLUSION: The presence of albuminuria was associated with a modest effect on hearing thresholds regardless of presence of DM.

The Influence of Tinnitus on the Audiometric Threshold of Sufferers

Abstract Introduction Tinnitus is a worldwide problem. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the audiometric hearing thresholds of adult patients with ongoing tinnitus as their only otological symptom. Methods We evaluated the hearing thresholds of 43 adult patients with ongoing tinnitus and no history of hearing loss from the otolaryngology department of a tertiary health institution at speech and high frequencies. A total of 56 tinnitus ears were compared against 30 contralateral normal ears as well as with the 100 ears of 50 healthy volunteers. Results The study group consisted of 11 (25.6%) males and 32 (74.4%) females with a mean age of 40.9 11.7. The mean Pure Tone Average of the 56 tinnitus ears was 14.8 9, while that of the 100 control ears was 11.2 6 (U 1/4 2078, p= 0.008). The mean pure tone average of the control was also significantly lower than that of the 30 contralateral normal ears of the tinnitus sufferers (U 1/4 1136, p= 0.02). We observed mild to moderate hearing loss in 10 (23%) of the participants. We observed no hearing loss among the control group. Conclusion A proportion of tinnitus sufferers with self-professed normal hearing are likely to have mildly elevated pure tone audiometric thresholds. In patients with unilateral tinnitus, such elevated pure tone hearing thresholds are likely to be in the tinnitus ear and the contralateral non-tinnitus ear.

Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture in Treating Subjective Tinnitus / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating subjective tinnitus.Method Seventy subjective tinnitus patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by conventional medication, while the treatment group was by acupuncture in addition to the medication given to the control. The serum zinc level, copper level, and pure-tone hearing threshold were observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies were compared.Result After intervention, the serum zinc and copper levels, and pure-tone hearing threshold were significantly changed in both groups (P<0.05). The serum zinc and copper levels, and pure-tone hearing threshold of the treatment group were significantly different from that of the control group after intervention (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.8% in the treatment group versus 87.9% in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture plus medication is an effective way in treating subjective tinnitus.

Industrial noise power and workers hearing level / Шинэ санаа Шинэ нээлт

Effects of industrial noise have been recognized by humanity since mid 19th century and works to study and prevent industrial noises had begun globally. Strong industrial noises damage human internal ear and hair cell of cort-organ rapidly and gradually, which causes deafness; and thousands of people are suffering from health problems. Many noisy industries, where thousands of people work, were built in our country by 1960’s anddeafness has increased due to exposure of industrial noise. Scientific studies to measure the level of industrial noise, to determine the hearing level of people who are working in it, to study the relationship between noise and hearing loss still haven’t been conducted completely. Aim: To measure distribution zone of industrial noise generator which generates noise with more than 85, to study hearing threshold of the people who are constantly affected by it, to prevent noise hearing loss.The plants of “Erdenet Industry” JSC, TPP-4 SOC, “Darkhan TU” SOC, TPP-3 SOC have been chosenwithin scope of the research. Noise level of 42 instruments of these plants which produces noise over85 “Noise distribution zone” where noise level decreases to 85, Chose 480 employees who have beenaffected by it for more than 5 years.Using modern audiometer at 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 Hz to measure for each bone and air conduction in noise-proof rooms Average hearing thresholds are calculated at dense, medium, pitched noise levelEarplug and headphone were used at shop and assembly line with noise over 85 дБ for more than 24 hours by employees, their satisfaction was studied and it was watched that if they were using the protective equipment regularly.Hearing threshold of employees who constantly work at noisy environment found to be 28.5±3.8 dB atdense noise 31.8±4.4±0.3 at medium noise, 38.2±5.7 dB at pitched noise level for “Erdenet Industry” JSC, 30.9±3.1±0.3 дБ at dense noise, 34.6±3.5 dB at medium noise, 39.5±4.3 dB at pitched noise level for TPP-4 SOC, 31.9±3.6 dB at dense noise, 34.9±3.8 dB at medium noise, 40.9±4.1 dB at pitched noise level for “Darkhan TU” SOC, 28.9±2.6 dB at dense noise, 32.4±2.8 dB at medium noise, 36.4±4.4 dB at pitched noise level for TPP-3 SOC. 95.6% of employees of “Erdenet Industry” JSC, 95.7% of employees of TPP-4 SOC, 96.5 % of employees of “Darkhan TU” SOC, 95.8 % of employees of TPP-3 SOC were satisfied when noise protection tools Ear classic and Bilsom were used at environment with noise level over 85 dB. Average hearing threshold of employees who have worked for more than 5 years in weak industrial noise level (85 – 92.5 dB) found to be 28.4±3.0 dB at dense noise, 32.3±3.2 dB at medium noise, 37.1±4.5 dB at pitched noise level, for medium noise level environment 30.2±3.4±0.3 dB at dense noise, 33.5±4.0 dB at medium noise, 39.2±4.4 dB at pitched noise level, for strong noise environment 34.1±3.6 dB at dense noise, 34.5±3.8±0.4 at medium noise, 34.8±4.5 dB at pitched noise level, or it was reduced from healthy hearing threshold with true possibility when p=0.05.95.6% of employees of “Erdenet Industry” JSC, 95.7% of employees of TPP-4 SOC, 96.5 % of employees of “Darkhan TU” SOC, 95.8 % of employees of TPP-3 SOC were satisfied when noise protection tools Ear classic and Bilsom were used at environment with noise level over 85 dB, which makes these tools reliable protectors from hearing loss due to noise.

Hearing Thresholds for a Geriatric Population Composed of Korean Males and Females

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to provide the hearing threshold levels in the elderly Korean population, and to compare Korean data with that in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7029 (2000). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected from a total of 526 ears from 112 males and 151 females aged 60-84 years. All participants were screened otologically by the procedure given in ISO 8253-1 (2010). RESULTS: Results showed that the pure-tone average was gradually elevated with increasing age. The amount of hearing loss was greater in males than in females, and the high frequency hearing thresholds were worse than the low frequency hearing thresholds in males and females. The hearing threshold levels were higher at low frequencies in males and at all frequencies in females than the norms of ISO 7029 (2000). CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study will be partly used for standardization of hearing thresholds as a function of age in Korea and for updating the ISO 7029.

Analyses of Behavioral Hearing Thresholds in Children without ABR Responses / 听力学及言语疾病杂志

Objective To investigate residual hearing of children with sensorineural hearing loss in whom wave V was not found in ABR testing and to emphasize the importance of behavioral audiometry in determining the residual hearing.Methods Residual hearing obtained by behavioral audiometry of 101 children with SNHL was studied in relation to the absence of wave V in both click-ABR and tone burst-ABR tests.Results All children have residual hearing of different degrees at different frequencies.There appeared to be a higher percentage of lowfrequency residual hearing than middle and high frequencies.Also,the residual hearing at low frequencies appeared to be better than those in the middle and high frequencies.Average residual hearing thresholds in the right ears from 500 to 4 000 Hz were 106.81±7.13,110.00±7.90,111.78±5.22,112.06±7.08 dB HL and those in the left ears were 98.01±3.98,111.30±7.18,112.06±7.08,108.33±7.23 dB HL.Conclusion The absence of wave V in ABR does not mean total deafness.For those children with no wave V in ABR,behavioral audiometry must be conducted to determine children's behavioral hearing thresholds in order to know their residual hearing.

Evolução da perda auditiva no decorrer do envelhecimento / Hearing loss in aging

A perda auditiva associada ao envelhecimento refere-se à soma de perdas auditivas resultantes da degeneração fisiológica causada por exposição ao ruído, agentes ototóxicos e prejuízos causados por desordens e tratamentos médicos. Afeta cerca de 60 por cento de todas as pessoas com idade acima de 65 anos. OBJETIVO: Verificar a degeneração do sistema auditivo no decorrer da idade através de medidas supraliminares e de sensibilidade auditiva. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Estudo de coorte contemporânea com corte transversal. Foram avaliados 211 idosos, com idade média de 75,24 anos, sendo 61 do sexo masculino e 150 do sexo feminino. Os indivíduos foram submetidos a uma anamnese e à avaliação audiológica básica e divididos em quatro grupos, de acordo com a faixa etária. RESULTADOS: Declínio significativo do limiar nas 4 faixas etárias estabelecidas, diminuição do índice percentual de reconhecimento de fala, diferença significante com relação ao gênero. CONCLUSÃO: Com o avanço da idade, ocorreu um aumento gradual no grau da perda auditiva, os homens apresentaram limiares mais rebaixados na freqüência de 4000Hz em comparação com as mulheres e na inteligibilidade de fala observou-se decréscimo gradativo com o aumento da idade.

Aging is a natural consequence of a society developing process. The city of São Paulo has almost one million people who are above sixty years of age. Age-related hearing loss equals the total hearing loss resulted from cell degeneration caused by noise exposure, ototoxic agents and the loss caused by disorders and medical treatments. AIM: To study age-related hearing degeneration by means of higher thresholds and hearing sensitivity measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional contemporary cohort study in which we assessed 211 elderly patients with mean age of 75.24 years, of whom 61 were females and 150 were males. The subjects were submitted to an interview and a conventional audiometric assessment; and later divided into four groups according to age range. RESULTS: Significant threshold drop in the four established age groups, decrease in speech recognition ratio, and a significant difference regarding gender. CONCLUSION: As age advanced there was a gradual increase in hearing loss, men showed a lower threshold in the 4000Hz frequency when compared to women, and in the speech intelligibility test thre was also a gradual decrease with aging.

Hearing Thresholds in Electronics Sound Inspectors Exposed to Continuous and Impulsive Type Noises / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relation between different types of exposure to noise and a classic sign of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL); the audiometric notch. METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out in electronics sound inspectors exposed to continuous and impulsive type noises. The noise levels in the working environments, and the audiometric hearing threshold levels were measured. RESULTS: Electronics sound inspectors were exposed to impulsive noise ranging from 74.1 to 88.9 dBA. The hearing loss induced by impulsive noise was greater and was characterized by maximum loss at 6 kHz audiometric frequency, as opposed to the notch at 4 kHz that is typical of continuous noise. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the probable effect of impulsive noise on hearing should be considered even when the exposure is within the 85 dB equivalent A-weighted level. To diagnose NIHL it is important to elicit a detailed and accurate history of exposure to noise. Although the notch at 4 kHz is a well established clinical sign and may be valuable in confirming the diagnosis, the 6 kHz notch is variable and of limited importance.