Prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus after leisure noise exposure in young adults

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus among students after exposure to leisure noise. In addition, the effects of tinnitus on otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in participants suffering from chronic tinnitus were evaluated. The study consisted of two parts. First, a questionnaire regarding leisure noise exposure and tinnitus was completed. Second, the hearing status of the subjects suffering from chronic tinnitus was evaluated and compared with a matched control group (CG). Furthermore, the psychoacoustical characteristics of their tinnitus in the chronic tinnitus group (TG) were established. The questionnaire was answered by 151 respondents. Seven persons suffering from chronic tinnitus were examined further in the second part of the study. Transient tinnitus was observed in 73.5% of the respondents after leisure noise exposure and 6.6% experienced chronic tinnitus. Transient and chronic tinnitus had similar characteristics, as established by the questionnaire. The amplitude of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and distortion product otoacoustic emissions was reduced and the amount of efferent suppression was smaller in the TG as compared with the CG. Tinnitus induced by leisure noise is observed frequently in young adults. The characteristics of tinnitus cannot predict whether it will have a transient or rather a chronic nature. In subjects suffering from tinnitus, subclinical damage that cannot be detected by audiometry can be demonstrated by measuring OAEs. These findings underpin the importance of educating youth about the risks of noise exposure during leisure activities.

Characteristics of tinnitus in adolescents and association with psychoemotional factors

“…Tinnitus in adolescents has been reported to be as common as it is in adults, at a rate of 12.8% to 74.9% (including temporary tinnitus cases) . However, accurately determining the incidence of tinnitus may be difficult, because mild cases will not be included in medical records.…”

“…[1][2][3] Tinnitus in adolescents has been reported to be as common as it is in adults, at a rate of 12.8% to 74.9% (including temporary tinnitus cases). [4][5][6][7] However, accurately determining the incidence of tinnitus may be difficult, because mild cases will not be included in medical records. Some subjects, especially among the younger population, do not recognize that they have tinnitus until they are questioned about it.…”

The Derived-Band Envelope Following Response and its Sensitivity to Sensorineural Hearing Deficits

“…The participants filled out a questionnaire, in which they were asked how often (yearly, monthly, weekly or daily) they had been playing a musical instrument in a band, attended festivals, concerts or discotheques and used noisy tools during their lifetime. Moreover, the total number of noise-exposed sessions, their duration and estimated noise loudness (a score between 1 to 5) were also obtained (Degeest et al, 2014). Audiograms were measured with an Interacoustics Clinical Computer Audiometer (AC5) at ten standard frequencies between 0.25 and 8 kHz.…”

“…a number between 1 and 5. We followed the procedures as described in Degeest et al (2014). The scores were separately calculated for questionnaire categories: (i) playing musical instrument in a band, (ii) attending festivals, concerts and discotheques and (iii) using noisy tools.…”

Risk Assessment of Recreational Noise–Induced Hearing Loss from Exposure through a Personal Audio System—iPod Touch

“…In a recreational setting, multiple studies have shown that individuals exposed to recreational noise on a regular basis have other auditory-related symptoms such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, and difficulty understanding speech in noise (Chung et al, 2005;Williams, 2005;Goggin et al, 2008;Zocoli et al, 2009;McNeill et al, 2010;Muhr and Rosenhall, 2010;Derebery et al, 2012;Gilles et al, 2012;Muchnik et al, 2012;Feder et al, 2013;Gilles et al, 2013;Sulaiman et al, 2013;Degeest et al, 2014;Balanay and Kearney, 2015;Keppler et al, 2015;Silvestre et al, 2016). Various researchers have reported on PAS use and the risks involved in high-intensity and long duration exposures, and have recommended further education and public awareness (Bulbul et al, 2009;Hoover and Krishnamurti, 2010;Vogel et al, 2010;Henderson et al, 2011;Vogel et al, 2011;Danhauer et al, 2012;Fligor et al, 2014).…”