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Subclinical Hearing Deficits in Noise-Exposed Firefighters

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Biomedical Engineering, 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
    Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
    RestorEar Devices LLC, Kirkland, WA 98033, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Hillary A. Snapp & Natasha Schaefer Solle & Barbara Millet & Suhrud M. Rajguru, 2022. "Subclinical Hearing Deficits in Noise-Exposed Firefighters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:11028-:d:905880
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sridhar Krishnamurti, 2009. "Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Occupational Noise Exposure: Effects of Age-Corrections," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(3), pages 1-11, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Barbara Millet & Hillary A. Snapp & Suhrud M. Rajguru & Natasha Schaefer Solle, 2023. "Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Perceptions of Hearing Health and Protection among Florida Firefighters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Erin C. Williams & Yiran Ma & Daniela M. Loo & Natasha Schaefer Solle & Barbara Millet & Kristine Harris & Hillary A. Snapp & Suhrud M. Rajguru, 2023. "Monitoring Occupational Noise Exposure in Firefighters Using the Apple Watch," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.

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