Subclinical Hearing Deficits in Noise-Exposed Firefighters

Hillary A. Snapp (), Natasha Schaefer Solle, Barbara Millet and Suhrud M. Rajguru
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Hillary A. Snapp: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Natasha Schaefer Solle: Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
Barbara Millet: Department of Interactive Media, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
Suhrud M. Rajguru: Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 17, 1-13

Abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world and firefighters are at increased risk of NIHL due to their frequent exposure to hazardous levels of noise during service. Adverse effects of NIHL include acceleration of age-related hearing loss and an increased risk of cognitive decline. A critical challenge in addressing NIHL is the delayed clinical presentation of symptoms and lack of sensitive tools for early detection. To study the early clinical symptoms of NIHL in this high-risk group, we collected hearing function data including behavioral audiometric thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in 176 firefighters during annual physical assessments. Results revealed significant deficits in cochlear outer hair cell function in the presence of normal audiograms. Additionally, 55% of firefighters self-reported changes in hearing, while 20% self-reported concerns about their balance. This study is the first to characterize DPOAEs in firefighters who display decreased DPOAE amplitudes with increasing years in the fire service. These effects were observed even when controlling for hearing loss and age and are suggestive of a link between hearing loss and occupational exposure to hazardous noise.

Keywords: noise-induced hearing loss; age-related hearing loss; occupational hearing loss; surveillance; firefighters; early detection; subclinical (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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