The influence of military service on auditory health and the efficacy of a hearing conservation program

Muhr, Per; Rosenhall, Ulf

doi:10.4103/1463-1741.82965

Cited by 29 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…There are many examples of studies which have examined audiometric results in an attempt to determine the effectiveness of HCPs, including studies of longitudinal data across one (Savell & Toothman, 1987; Brink et al, 2002) or multiple (Lee-Feldstein, 1993; Dement et al, 2005) facilities within the same industry or military occupations (Wolgemuth et al, 1995; Muhr & Rosenhall, 2011)Several studies that have utilized audiometric results to analyze HCP effectiveness have found that audiometric test results do not align well with categorized noise exposures (e.g., “high” vs “low”) (Bohnker et al, 2002). Only a few studies have also evaluated quantitative noise exposures with regards to HCP performance (Savell & Toothman, 1987; Lee-Feldstein, 1993; Davies et al, 2008), and some have determined that categorized exposures are more useful than continuous quantitative estimates (Heyer et al, 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods for evaluating temporal trends in noise exposure

Neitzel

Galusha

Dixon‐Ernst

et al. 2014

International Journal of Audiology

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Objective Hearing conservation programs have been mandatory in many US industries since 1983. Since then, three program elements (audiometric testing, hearing protection, and training) have been the focus of much research. By comparison, little has been done on noise exposure evaluation. Design and study sample Utilizing a large dataset (>10,000 measurements over 20 years) from eight facilities operated by a multinational aluminum manufacturing company, we evaluated several approaches to assessing temporal trends in Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposures and the fraction of measurements exceeding 85 dBA by facility, by exposure group within facility, and by individual worker within facility. Results Overall, exposures declined across locations over the study period. Several facilities demonstrated substantial reductions in exposure, and the results of mean noise levels and exceedance fractions generally showed good agreement. The results of analyses at the individual level diverged with analyses by facility and exposure group within facility, suggesting that individual-level analyses, while challenging, may provide important information not available from coarser levels of analysis. Conclusions Validated metrics are needed to allow for assessment of temporal trends in noise exposure. Such metrics will improve our ability to characterize, in a standardized manner, efforts to reduce noise-induced hearing loss.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methods for evaluating temporal trends in noise exposure

Neitzel

Galusha

Dixon‐Ernst

et al. 2014

International Journal of Audiology

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“…An elevation in the prevalence values of tinnitus, sensitivity to noise and hearing impairment was seen at release compared to before joining military service. 16 In our study only 5 cadets reported with hearing loss immediately following exposure to loud noise after firing practice. Audiometry revealed a mild deterioration of hearing in the frequencies between 3-6 kHz.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Training related ENT morbidity: a study amongst cadets of a military training institute

Raj

2016

Int J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg

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INTRODUCTIONMilitary training involves a harsh and rigorous regimen, which may lead to inadvertent injury and bodily dysfunction. The ear, nose and throat are especially vulnerable given the nature of the training. Regular exposure to loud noise of training firearms, combative nature of the schedule and the physically tough and demanding training may cause ENT morbidity. The present study relates to the cadets of a military training academy undergoing training for induction into the Armed Forces.In military training, a multitude of loud noise exposures may compromise the auditory wellbeing of the cadets. Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are not uncommon during military training and subsequent service.1,2 This morbidity causes loss of training manhours and reduced combat readiness, which has a huge impact on cost of training. Moreover cadets undergoing training belong to the young adult age group. During this time other factors may also play a causative role in hearing loss. These include pre enrollment occupational or recreational noise exposure, pre-existing middle ear disease, a positive family history or previous head injury. 3,4 Studies to date describing the patterns of disease and injury in under training military populations have dealt almost exclusively with orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries. Despite evidence that suggests that cadets/ recruits are at a greater risk to certain types of training and combat-related illnesses and injuries, the nature and magnitude of these problems has not been fully ABSTRACT Background: Military training involves a harsh and rigorous regimen leading to inadvertent injury and bodily dysfunction. The ear, nose and throat are vulnerable given the nature of the training, which invariably involves combative sports and organized firing practice, which may lead to increased morbidity. This article is based on a population study of training related ENT morbidity amongst cadets undergoing training at a military institute. Methods: The study was carried out in three parts including determinations of morbidity statistics due to ENT illnesses amongst cadets during training, awareness levels and attitudes of cadets towards common ENT ailments and effect of military training on the audiometric parameters. Results: Daily cadet sick report was 250 -270 a month with 21% being respiratory/ENT in nature. Of these 33% were nasal trauma, 18% ear ache with uri, 12% hearing loss/tinnitus, 25% throat symptoms and 12% with allergic symptoms. Overall incidence of hearing loss during the study period was 60.1 per thousand per year, which was mostly transitory. Conclusions: Injuries caused due to training lead to loss of motivation and reduction in combat efficacy as a result of decreased training time. Increasing awareness and better planned training schedules are the need of the hour.

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“…[29] Like in other series, AAT presented most often as unilateral involvement and was usually accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss. [1330] As reported in the literature, tinnitus is almost constant and is sometimes the only symptom. [3] When tinnitus persists, it can be very disabling both psychologically (anxiety, depression) and operationally, because it may mask sound messages and cause tiredness, thereby linked to the need for greater concentration.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acute acoustic trauma in the French armed forces during 2007–2014

et al. 2016

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Context:Despite existing preventive measures, the number of acute acoustic trauma (AAT) cases reported to the French Military Epidemiological Surveillance System (MESS) remains high.Aims:The objective of this study was to describe AAT and the preventive measures already implemented.Subjects and Methods:We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional analysis of AAT using data from the MESS for the period 2007–2014. In addition, we reviewed the current prevention measures that exist in the French armed forces.Statistical Analysis Used:Comparisons between different incidence rates were made by Poisson and quasi-Poisson regression.Results:Between 2007 and 2014, 10,487 AAT cases were reported to the MESS, with a significant decrease in 2013 (P < 0.001). AAT incidence rates were the highest among those aged <25 years − 14.3 per 1000 person-years (PYs) (P < 0.001), and those in the army; with 8.1 per 1000 PYs (P < 0.001), and men had almost twice the risk of women (P < 0.001). AAT mainly occurred in training schools or at camps during exercises. The main prevention actions identified were the following: official regulations, education, making hearing protection devices (HPDs) available for all service members, and regular hearing monitoring. A working group has been set up and has proposed an informative chapter in the weapon handling instruction book, an AAT simulator, and a new HPD, the 3M® earplug, with an information brochure.Conclusions:AAT rates decreased from 2007 to 2014 in the French armed forces. Further analysis is needed to identify the underlying factors involved to improve the prevention actions proposed. The MESS and targeted surveys will assess the impact of the different prevention measures implemented.

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The influence of military service on auditory health and the efficacy of a hearing conservation program

Cited by 29 publications

References 16 publications

Methods for evaluating temporal trends in noise exposure

Methods for evaluating temporal trends in noise exposure

Training related ENT morbidity: a study amongst cadets of a military training institute

Acute acoustic trauma in the French armed forces during 2007–2014

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