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Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Occupational Safety and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 21449

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Astrid van Wieringen

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Guest Editor

Research Group Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: neural temporal processing in aging persons; cochlear implant research; development of speech materials for children and adults with hearing impairment; auditory rehabilitation

Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters

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Guest Editor

Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, ExpORL O&N2, Herestraat 49/721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: speech and music processing in cochlear implants; improving speech understanding in adverse lis-tening environments; binaural hearing with hearing instruments; psychophysics of electrical audi-tory stimulation; objective assessment of the auditory system; neural temporal processing in dys-lexia; development of speech tests for hearing-impaired adults and children

Dr. Jan A. P. M. de Laat

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Guest Editor

Department of Audiology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
Interests: hearing screening; sound-induced hearing loss; hearing instruments; presbycusis; music and hear-ing; hearing at work

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sound-induced hearing loss is one of the most common forms of sensorineural hearing loss. It is a major health problem, it is largely preventable, and it is probably more widespread than expected, because it is an invisible physical constraint. Sound-induced damage to the cochlea is traditionally considered to be associated with symmetrical mild-to-moderate hearing loss, which is often accompanied by tinnitus and hyperacusis; however, there is a significant number of patients with asymmetrical hearing thresholds, and depending on the exposure, severe-to-profound hearing loss as well.

Recent epidemiological and animal studies have provided further insights into the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and social and economic impacts of sound-induced hearing loss. Promising protective effects are emerging from multiple different pharmaceutical agents, such as steroids, antioxidants, and neurotrophins.

Sound-induced hearing loss still remains a global problem, despite extensive public health awareness campaigns, reduced occupational noise exposure, and strict standards for hearing protection in sectors such as the military, farming, construction, harbor work, and industry, with combined hearing damage caused by exposure to noise and ototoxic agents. Therefore, it remains important to research all of the different aspects related to the topic.

This Special Issue will try to provide a comprehensive update on all aspects of occupational hearing loss, from the pathophysiology of acoustic trauma and gene association to management strategies, including recent scientific and fundamental research findings, clinical guidelines, current best practices in diagnosis, as well as innovative but proven prevention, protection, and rehabilitation tools.

Special attention will be drawn to the risk of sound-induced hearing loss in the entertainment sector, particularly in professional musicians. The number of young people subject to social sound exposure at very high sound pressure levels from sources such as discotheque music, rock concerts, and music from personal music players is still increasing year-by-year.

Topics

Auditory & non auditory effects of noise on health incl. related symptoms like tinnitus, hyperacusis and dizziness
Pathophysiology, pathogenesis
Gene association (genetic aspects)
Smoking, ototoxic medication and exposition to toxic agents as risk factors
Methodology: prevention, protection & hearing rehabilitation incl. protective medicines & drugs
Policy issues, social & economic impacts, worldwide differences
Noise/sound exposure (incl. annoyance) in different sectors like military, farming, industry, construction work, harbor, music
Dosimetry, audiometry & functional hearing ability
Normalization/standardization issues & risk assessment (ISO/IEC, OSHA/EPA, WHO)

Prof. Dr. Astrid van Wieringen
Prof. Dr. Jan Wouters
Dr. Jan A. P. M. de Laat
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Effects of noise on health
Pathophysiology
Gene association
Ototoxic agents
Audiometry, dosimetry and functional hearing ability
Prevention, protection and hearing rehabilitation
Noise and sound exposure in sectors like military and industry, but also music
Policy issues
Risk assessment
Normalization issues

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Hearing Loss for Platinum Miners in South Africa: A Case Study of Data Sharing Practices and Ethical Challenges in the Mining Industry

by Liepollo Ntlhakana, Gill Nelson, Katijah Khoza-Shangase and Elton Dorkin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 1; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010001 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3183

Abstract

Background: The relevant legislation ensures confidentiality and has paved the way for data handling and sharing. However, the industry remains uncertain regarding big data handling and sharing practices for improved healthcare delivery and medical research. Methods: A semi-qualitative cross-sectional study was used which entailed analysing miners’ personal health records from 2014 to 2018. Data were accessed from the audiometry medical surveillance database (n = 480), the hearing screening database (n = 24,321), and the occupational hygiene database (n = 15,769). Ethical principles were applied to demonstrate big data protection and sharing. Results: Some audiometry screening and occupational hygiene records were incomplete and/or inaccurate (N = 4675). The database containing medical disease and treatment records could not be accessed. Ethical challenges included a lack of clarity regarding permission rights when sharing big data, and no policy governing the divulgence of miners’ personal and medical records for research. Conclusion: This case study illustrates how research can be effectively, although not maliciously, obstructed by the strict protection of employee medical data. Clearly communicated company policies should be developed for the sharing of workers’ records in the mining industry to improve HCPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

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15 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Targets for Interventions to Increase Earplug Use in Noisy Recreational Settings: A Qualitative Interview Study

by Michael T. Loughran, Samuel Couth, Christopher J. Plack and Christopher J. Armitage

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12879; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182412879 - 07 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

Earplugs can reduce the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus. However, earplug use during noisy recreational activities is uncommon, and methods for increasing uptake and regular use have had limited efficacy. The aim of the present study was to examine barriers and enablers of ever-performers (e.g., people who have used earplugs) and never-performers (e.g., people who have not used earplugs) to identify targets to inform the content of interventions to increase uptake and regular use of earplugs in recreational settings. The Capabilities, Opportunities, and Motivations model of Behaviour (COM-B) informed the outline for 20 semi-structured telephone interviews (ever-performers, N = 8, age range = 20–45 years; never-performers, N = 12; age range = 20–50 years). Thematic analysis was used to identify barriers and enablers to earplug use, which were mapped onto the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Six key domains of the TDF were identified. Ever-performers described being more exposed to ‘social influences’ (e.g., facilitators such as friends/peers) and were more positive than never-performers concerning ‘beliefs about consequences’ (e.g., earplug protection outweighs any negative effects on listening/communication). Involvement of ‘emotion’ (e.g., fear of losing ability to listen to music) and ‘reinforcement’ tactics (e.g., creating habits/routines) were discussed by ever-performers, but were not mentioned by never-performers. Both groups reported lack of ‘environmental context and resources’ (e.g., prompts and cues), and their own ‘memory, attention, and decision processes’ (e.g., deciding when to use earplugs) as barriers to earplug use. The present research identifies the variables that would need to change in order to increase earplug uptake and use in recreational settings among ever-performers and never-performers. Further work is required to translate these findings into testable interventions by selecting appropriate intervention functions (e.g., modelling), policy categories (e.g., communication/marketing), behaviour change techniques (e.g., demonstration of behaviour), and mode of delivery (e.g., face-to-face). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

11 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitudes towards Safe Listening Measures in Entertainment Venues: Results from an International Survey among Young Venue-Goers

by Nicola Diviani, Shelly Chadha, Malachi Ochieng Arunda and Sara Rubinelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12860; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182312860 - 06 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2614

Abstract

Background: Sustained exposure to excess noise in recreational settings is among the main causes of hearing loss among young adults worldwide. Within a global effort to develop standards for safe listening in entertainment venues, this study aims at identifying modifiable factors (knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs), which can hinder or facilitate the acceptance of safe listening measures in public venues among young venue-goers. Methods: An online questionnaire was developed inspired by the Health Belief Model. It was divided into five sections: (i) socio-demographics (ii) listening habits, (iii) experiences with loud music, (iv) knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, and (v) willingness to change. Participants were recruited through social media. Results: 2264 individuals aged 16–35 completed the questionnaire. Most visited entertainment venues relatively infrequently, with the majority of them only visiting once per month or less. Nevertheless, most reported having experienced the negative consequences of listening to loud music. Overall, most people were favorable towards preventive measures, especially quiet areas. Conclusion: Our findings stress the urge to address the issue of safe listening in public venues and support an approach based on the introduction of standards. Moreover, they provide us with information on key factors to be considered when introducing and communicating preventive measures in public entertainment venues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

13 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leisure Noise Exposure and Associated Health-Risk Behavior in Adolescents: An Explanatory Study among Two Different Educational Programs in Flanders

by Sofie Degeest, Hannah Keppler and Bart Vinck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8033; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18158033 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2569

Abstract

Adolescents frequently engage in noisy leisure activities which can result in hearing-related problems. However, the effect of leisure noise exposure is liable to an individual’s risk-taking behavior. Identifying leisure noise activities and relevant factors related to risk-taking behavior in adolescents, are important to optimize hearing conservation programs targeting youngsters. The purpose of the study was to explore the presence of hearing-related symptoms, as well as noise exposure during various activities, and the use of hearing protector devices (HPDs) in adolescents in two educational programs in Flanders. In addition, their attitudes and beliefs towards noise, hearing loss, and HPDs were investigated. The final sample consisted of 247 adolescents. The most important hearing-related symptoms after noise exposure were tinnitus and noise sensitivity. With regard to leisure noise exposure, listening to PMPs was most frequently reported. The use of HPDs during most noisy activities was limited, in accordance with the presence of hearing-related symptoms, considering noise as unproblematic, and having worse scores on subscales of the beliefs about hearing protection and hearing loss scale. In the future, hearing conservation programs should target adolescents specifically for a more health-orientated behavior towards noise exposure, hearing loss, and HPDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

13 pages, 831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Noise Disturbance and Potential Hearing Loss Due to Exposure of Dental Equipment in Flemish Dentists

by Michael Dierickx, Suzanne Verschraegen, Els Wierinck, Guy Willems and Astrid van Wieringen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5617; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115617 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3598

Abstract

Long-term exposure to occupational noise is often associated with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among dentists. This study aims to investigate potential hearing loss (HL) and self-reported annoyance as a result of exposure to noise produced by contemporary dental equipment. Methods: Three cohorts participated: 53 dentists with more than 5 years of service, 47 dentists with at most 5 years of service, and 53 pharmacists as controls, age and gender-matched to the first group. After the exclusion of one person, the hearing of 304 ears was screened with the Flemish version of the digit triplet in noise test (DTT). If screening failed, otoscopy and pure tone audiometry (PTA) were performed for both ears. Furthermore, general information, knowledge, exposure, annoyance, general health, and preventive measures were assessed with a custom-made questionnaire. Results: NIHL did not occur significantly more often with dentists than with controls. However, dentists revealed a significantly higher annoyance (related to the noise from their equipment) and reported more complaints than the pharmacists. All three groups indicated lack of knowledge on hearing care. Conclusions: While noise levels in contemporary dentistry are not harmful and do not induce NIHL, the sounds emitted by the devices are disturbing and affect mental health. This study calls for increased awareness of the consequences of sound exposure and stresses the need to monitor and protect the hearing of dentists regularly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

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25 pages, 3751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pure-Tone Hearing Thresholds and Otoacoustic Emissions in Students of Music Academies

by Małgorzata Pawlaczyk-Łuszczyńska, Małgorzata Zamojska-Daniszewska, Adam Dudarewicz and Kamil Zaborowski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18031313 - 01 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the hearing of music students in relation to their exposure to excessive sounds. A standard pure-tone audiometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were determined in 163 students of music academies, aged 22.8 ± 2.6 years. A questionnaire survey and sound pressure level measurements during solo and group playing were also conducted. The control group comprised 67 subjects, mainly non-music students, aged 22.8 ± 3.3 years. Study subjects were exposed to sounds at the A-weighted weekly noise exposure level (L_EX,w) from 75 to 106 dB. There were no significant differences in the hearing thresholds between groups in the frequency range of 4000–8000 Hz. However, music students compared to control group exhibited lower values of DPOAE amplitude (at 6000 and 7984 Hz) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (at 984, 6000, and 7984 Hz) as well as SNR of TEOAE (in 1000 Hz band). A significant impact of noise exposure level, type of instrument, and gender on some parameters of measured otoacoustic emissions was observed. In particular, music students having L_EX,w ≥ 84.9 dB, compared to those with L_EX,w < 84.9 dB, achieved significantly lower DPOAE amplitude at 3984 Hz. Meanwhile, both TEOAE and DPOAE results indicated worse hearing in students playing percussion instruments vs. wind instruments, and wind instrument players vs. students playing stringed instruments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

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Review

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12 pages, 1695 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Effect of Exposure to Noise during Military Service on the Subsequent Progression of Hearing Loss

by Brian C. J. Moore

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2436; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18052436 - 02 Mar 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3955

Abstract

This paper reviews and re-analyses data from published studies on the effects of noise exposure on the progression of hearing loss once noise exposure has ceased, focusing particularly on noise exposure during military service. The data are consistent with the idea that such exposure accelerates the progression of hearing loss at frequencies where the hearing loss is absent or mild at the end of military service (hearing threshold levels (HTLs) up to approximately 50 dB HL), but has no effect on or slows the progression of hearing loss at frequencies where the hearing loss exceeds approximately 50 dB. Acceleration appears to occur over a wide frequency range, including 1 kHz. However, each of the studies reviewed has limitations. There is a need for further longitudinal studies of changes in HTLs over a wide range of frequencies and including individuals with a range of HTLs and ages at the end of military service. Longitudinal studies are also needed to establish whether the progression of hearing loss following the end of exposure to high-level sounds depends on the type of noise exposure (steady broadband factory noises versus impulsive sounds). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational and Recreational Hearing Loss)

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