Work-Related Noise Exposure in a Cohort of Patients with Chronic Tinnitus: Analysis of Demographic and Audiological Characteristics

Abstract

Work-related noise exposure is one of the major factors contributing to the development of adult-onset hearing loss and tinnitus. The aim of this study was to analyze, in patients with chronic tinnitus and long-term occupational noise exposure, (A) characteristics of hearing loss, tinnitus, comorbidities, demographic characteristics and a history of work-related noise exposure and (B) differences among individuals employed in occupations with high and low risk of developing work-related noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). One hundred thirty six patients with chronic tinnitus and at least a 10 year-long working history were divided into two groups based on the risk of their profession to induce NIHL. Individuals employed in jobs at high risk for NIHL were mostly males and exhibited a poorer hearing threshold, more evident in the left ear. Tinnitus was mostly bilateral; the next largest presentation was left-sided; patients described their tinnitus as buzzing or high-pitched. Correlation between age, length of tinnitus and worse hearing was found. Patients with a higher degree of hearing impairment were mostly males and were more likely to have a family history of hearing loss and at least one cardiovascular comorbidity. Our study shows some differences in individuals with tinnitus and a history of a profession associated with increased exposure to NIHL compared to those without such a history.

Otolaryngologic Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

“…Tinnitus, the perception of a sound when no external stimulation is present 23 , is commonly found in patients with hearing loss following presbycusis 24,25 , noise exposure 26,27 or other auditory conditions 28,29 ; however, it can also be found in patients with a clinically normal hearing, following synaptopathy 30,31 , somatic disorders [32][33][34][35][36][37] and psychological dysfunctions 38 .…”

Assistance Dogs for Persons with Hearing Impairment: A Review

“…aging [24][25][26] , noise exposure 27 , the use of ototoxic drugs (28), autoimmune diseases [29,30] and other conditions [31][32][33][34][35] . According to WHO data, around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, and 34 millions of these are children 36 .…”

Somatic Tinnitus

“…Tinnitus appeared about 10 years after prolonged noise exposure, as often seen in similar cases 15,[69][70][71][72][73] . Although tinnitus could be successfully modulated with both TMJ and NECK maneuvers, no somatic disorder was found at a clinical level.…”

“…Tinnitus prevalence increases with age up to 65-69 years, after which it decreases [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] . Social factors, such as lower income, poor education or occupational and recreational activity associated with noise exposure may influence the prevalence of tinnitus 15 . Tinnitus is regularly associated with hearing loss, which can be diagnosed in up to 90% of patients, and with the use of ototoxic drugs, infections, and medical conditions that can affect the hearing function triggering cochlear damage, with neural changes in the central auditory system 5,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] .…”