A Cross-Sectional Study of the Time of Onset of Hearing Loss in Bus Drivers Following Exposure to Occupational Noise.

IF 1.1 Q3 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Journal of Audiology and Otology Pub Date : 2025-03-12 DOI:10.7874/jao.2024.00626

H M Apoorva, Jayaram Mannarukrishnaiah

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and objectives: : Occupational noise exposure is a significant risk factor for hearing loss, affecting approximately 5% of the global population. Although noise-induced hearing loss is commonly associated with reduced sensitivity to pure tones, there is limited information regarding when this hearing loss begins after noise exposure. This study aimed to investigate the time of onset of hearing loss in bus drivers exposed to noise for varying durations.

Subjects and methods: : The study involved 102 bus drivers aged 25-40 years who had been exposed to noise for periods ranging from 6 months to over 10 years. A control group comprising 102 age-matched individuals without noise exposure was also included. Pure-tone audiometry was performed to assess hearing loss, and time of onset of hearing loss relative to noise exposure duration was evaluated.

Results: : Bus drivers experienced only "slight" hearing loss, even after 10 years of noise exposure. By contrast, reduced sensitivity to pure tones was observed after 25 to 48 months of exposure.

Conclusions: : This study confirms that prolonged noise exposure leads to "slight" hearing loss, which can appear as early as 25-48 months after exposure to noise. Among individuals under 40 years of age, significant hearing loss appeared to occur only after 10 or more years of exposure. These findings suggest that the impact of noise on hearing acuity may have been overestimated in previous studies.

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来源期刊

Journal of Audiology and Otology OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY-

CiteScore

1.90

自引率

9.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： Journal of Audiology and Otology (JAO) (formerly known as Korean Journal of Audiology) aims to publish the most advanced findings for all aspects of the auditory and vestibular system and diseases of the ear using state-of-the-art techniques and analyses. The journal covers recent trends related to the topics of audiology, otology, and neurotology conducted by professionals, with the goal of providing better possible treatment to people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who suffer from auditory and/or vestibular disorders and thus, improving their quality of life. This journal encourages the submission of review papers about current professional issues, research papers presenting a scientific base and clinical application, and case papers with unique reports or clinical trials. We also invite letters to the editor and papers related to the manufacture and distribution of medical devices. This journal provides integrated views from otologists, audiologists, and other healthcare practitioners, offering readers high quality scientific and clinical information. This peer-reviewed and open access journal has been the official journal of the Korean Audiological Society since 1997 and of both the Korean Audiological Society and the Korean Otological Society since 2017. It is published in English four times a year in January, April, July, and October.