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Yang L, Gutierrez DE, Guthrie OW. Systemic health effects of noise exposure. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2024; 27:21-54. [PMID: 37957800 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2280837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Noise, any unwanted sound, is pervasive and impacts large populations worldwide. Investigators suggested that noise exposure not only induces auditory damage but also produces various organ system dysfunctions. Although previous reviews primarily focused on noise-induced cardiovascular and cerebral dysfunctions, this narrow focus has unintentionally led the research community to disregard the importance of other vital organs. Indeed, limited studies revealed that noise exposure impacts other organs including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the aim of this review was to examine the effects of noise on both the extensively studied organs, the brain and heart, but also determine noise impact on other vital organs. The goal was to illustrate a comprehensive understanding of the systemic effects of noise. These systemic effects may guide future clinical research and epidemiological endpoints, emphasizing the importance of considering noise exposure history in diagnosing various systemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Cell & Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel E Gutierrez
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - O'neil W Guthrie
- Cell & Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
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Shehabi AM, Prendergast G, Guest H, Plack CJ. Noise Exposure in Palestinian Workers Without a Diagnosis of Hearing Impairment: Relations to Speech-Perception-in-Noise Difficulties, Tinnitus, and Hyperacusis. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:1085-1109. [PMID: 36802819 DOI: 10.1044/2022_jslhr-22-00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many workers in developing countries are exposed to unsafe occupational noise due to inadequate health and safety practices. We tested the hypotheses that occupational noise exposure and aging affect speech-perception-in-noise (SPiN) thresholds, self-reported hearing ability, tinnitus presence, and hyperacusis severity among Palestinian workers. METHOD Palestinian workers (N = 251, aged 18-70 years) without diagnosed hearing or memory impairments completed online instruments including a noise exposure questionnaire; forward and backward digit span tests; hyperacusis questionnaire; the short-form Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12); the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory; and a digits-in-noise (DIN) test. Hypotheses were tested via multiple linear and logistic regression models, including age and occupational noise exposure as predictors, and with sex, recreational noise exposure, cognitive ability, and academic attainment as covariates. Familywise error rate was controlled across all 16 comparisons using the Bonferroni-Holm method. Exploratory analyses evaluated effects on tinnitus handicap. A comprehensive study protocol was preregistered. RESULTS Nonsignificant trends of poorer SPiN performance, poorer self-reported hearing ability, greater prevalence of tinnitus, greater tinnitus handicap, and greater severity of hyperacusis as a function of higher occupational noise exposure were observed. Greater hyperacusis severity was significantly predicted by higher occupational noise exposure. Aging was significantly associated with higher DIN thresholds and lower SSQ12 scores, but not with tinnitus presence, tinnitus handicap, or hyperacusis severity. CONCLUSIONS Workers in Palestine may suffer from auditory effects of occupational noise and aging despite no formal diagnosis. These findings highlight the importance of occupational noise monitoring and hearing-related health and safety practices in developing countries. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22056701.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan M Shehabi
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Audiology and Speech Therapy, Birzeit University, Palestine
| | - Garreth Prendergast
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Guest
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Plack
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, United Kingdom
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Nieto-Álvarez R, de la Hoz-Torres ML, Aguilar AJ, Martínez-Aires MD, Ruiz DP. Proposal of Combined Noise and Hand-Arm Vibration Index for Occupational Exposure: Application to a Study Case in the Olive Sector. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14345. [PMID: 36361218 PMCID: PMC9654875 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In many production and industrial sectors, workers are exposed to noise and hand-arm vibrations (HAV). European directives have established the maximum limit values or exposure action values for noise and vibration independently. However, in many cases, workers who endure hand-arm vibration also receive high noise levels. This research suggests a procedure to aid the establishment of precautionary measures for workers with simultaneous exposure to both physical agents. This procedure defines a combined index based on the energy doses for both noise and HAV. From this combined index, the suggested methodology allows a recommended exposure time for workers with simultaneous noise and HAV exposure to be calculated. This methodology can be adapted to tackle the relative importance assigned to both agents according to the safety manager and new knowledge on combined health effects. To test this method, a measurement campaign under real working conditions was conducted with workers from the olive fruit-harvesting sector, where a variety of hand-held machinery is used. The results of the study case show that the suggested procedure can obtain reliable exposure time recommendations for simultaneous noise and HAV exposures and is therefore a useful tool for establishing prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Nieto-Álvarez
- Department of Architectural Graphic Expression and Engineering, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - María L. de la Hoz-Torres
- Department of Building Construction, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio J. Aguilar
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Diego P. Ruiz
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Granada, Av. Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Shehabi AM, Prendergast G, Guest H, Plack CJ. The Effect of Lifetime Noise Exposure and Aging on Speech-Perception-in-Noise Ability and Self-Reported Hearing Symptoms: An Online Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:890010. [PMID: 35711902 PMCID: PMC9195834 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.890010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal research shows that aging and excessive noise exposure damage cochlear outer hair cells, inner hair cells, and the synapses connecting inner hair cells with the auditory nerve. This may translate into auditory symptoms such as difficulty understanding speech in noise, tinnitus, and hyperacusis. The current study, using a novel online approach, assessed and quantified the effects of lifetime noise exposure and aging on (i) speech-perception-in-noise (SPiN) thresholds, (ii) self-reported hearing ability, and (iii) the presence of tinnitus. Secondary aims involved documenting the effects of lifetime noise exposure and aging on tinnitus handicap and the severity of hyperacusis. Two hundred and ninety-four adults with no past diagnosis of hearing or memory impairments were recruited online. Participants were assigned into two groups: 217 "young" (age range: 18-35 years, females: 151) and 77 "older" (age range: 50-70 years, females: 50). Participants completed a set of online instruments including an otologic health and demographic questionnaire, a dementia screening tool, forward and backward digit span tests, a noise exposure questionnaire, the Khalfa hyperacusis questionnaire, the short-form of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing scale, the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, a digits-in-noise test, and a Coordinate Response Measure speech-perception test. Analyses controlled for sex and cognitive function as reflected by the digit span. A detailed protocol was pre-registered, to guard against "p-hacking" of this extensive dataset. Lifetime noise exposure did not predict SPiN thresholds, self-reported hearing ability, or the presence of tinnitus in either age group. Exploratory analyses showed that worse hyperacusis scores, and a greater prevalence of tinnitus, were associated significantly with high lifetime noise exposure in the young, but not in the older group. Age was a significant predictor of SPiN thresholds and the presence of tinnitus, but not of self-reported hearing ability, tinnitus handicap, or severity of hyperacusis. Consistent with several lab studies, our online-derived data suggest that older adults with no diagnosis of hearing impairment have a poorer SPiN ability and a higher risk of tinnitus than their younger counterparts. Moreover, lifetime noise exposure may increase the risk of tinnitus and the severity of hyperacusis in young adults with no diagnosis of hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan M. Shehabi
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Audiology and Speech Therapy, Birzeit University, Birzeit, Palestine
| | - Garreth Prendergast
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Guest
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Plack
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Sheppard A, Ralli M, Gilardi A, Salvi R. Occupational Noise: Auditory and Non-Auditory Consequences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8963. [PMID: 33276507 PMCID: PMC7729999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Occupational noise exposure accounts for approximately 16% of all disabling hearing losses, but the true value and societal costs may be grossly underestimated because current regulations only identify hearing impairments in the workplace if exposures result in audiometric threshold shifts within a limited frequency region. Research over the past several decades indicates that occupational noise exposures can cause other serious auditory deficits such as tinnitus, hyperacusis, extended high-frequency hearing loss, and poor speech perception in noise. Beyond the audiogram, there is growing awareness that hearing loss is a significant risk factor for other debilitating and potentially life-threatening disorders such as cardiovascular disease and dementia. This review discusses some of the shortcomings and limitations of current noise regulations in the United States and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Sheppard
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences and Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14221, USA;
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gilardi
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (A.G.)
| | - Richard Salvi
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences and Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14221, USA;
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Le Prell CG, Hammill TL, Murphy WJ. Noise-induced hearing loss and its prevention: Integration of data from animal models and human clinical trials. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:4051. [PMID: 31795668 PMCID: PMC7195863 DOI: 10.1121/1.5132951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal models have been used to gain insight into the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its potential prevention using investigational new drug agents. A number of compounds have yielded benefit in pre-clinical (animal) models. However, the acute traumatic injury models commonly used in pre-clinical testing are fundamentally different from the chronic and repeated exposures experienced by many human populations. Diverse populations that are potentially at risk and could be considered for enrollment in clinical studies include service members, workers exposed to occupational noise, musicians and other performing artists, and children and young adults exposed to non-occupational (including recreational) noise. Both animal models and clinical populations were discussed in this special issue, followed by discussion of individual variation in vulnerability to NIHL. In this final contribution, study design considerations for NIHL otoprotection in pre-clinical and clinical testing are integrated and broadly discussed with evidence-based guidance offered where possible, drawing on the contributions to this special issue as well as other existing literature. The overarching goals of this final paper are to (1) review and summarize key information across contributions and (2) synthesize information to facilitate successful translation of otoprotective drugs from animal models into human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen G Le Prell
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Tanisha L Hammill
- Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinanati, Ohio 45226-1998, USA
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Amer NM, Taha MM, Ibrahim KS, Abdallah HM, El Tahlawy EM. Audiometric notch for the prediction of early occupational hearing loss and its association with the interleukin-1beta genotype. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2019; 14:289-294. [PMID: 31435419 PMCID: PMC6694999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a frequent and irreversible industrial-health problem, the early diagnosis of which can prevent hearing deterioration, especially of speech frequencies. This study aimed to assess hearing impairment in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Audiometric notches and IL-1β gene polymorphisms were evaluated. Methods The study included 98 workers employed in a textile factory. Pure-tone audiometric testing was conducted for all workers, using a manual pure-tone diagnostic audiometer, and the noise level was measured at four different work sites in a spinning section. IL-1β gene polymorphism was determined using PCR-RFLP methods. Results Workers were exposed to a mean noise level of 105.5 dB. As many as 27.6% of them complained of tinnitus and the majority suffered from some degree of hearing loss in either ear, but none of them exceeded 60 dB. Audiometric notches were detected in either one or both ears. Only 28.6% of workers showed the absence of notches. The TT genotype of IL-1β polymorphisms was dominant in 49% of the workers, whereas TC was predominant in 39.8% and CC in 11.2%. The CC genotype was associated with smoking (54.5%) and audiometric notches (100%). The IL-1β genotype distribution showed no significant difference with or without tinnitus. Conclusion This study showed an association between the CC genotype and smoking as well as audiometric notches in workers occupationally exposed to noise. Workers showing audiometric notches should be followed up regularly. Further studies are required to confirm the interrelationship amongst tinnitus, audiometric notches, and IL-1β genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagat M Amer
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mona M Taha
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Khadiga S Ibrahim
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Heba M Abdallah
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Eman M El Tahlawy
- Environmental & Occupational Medicine Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Work-Related Noise Exposure in a Cohort of Patients with Chronic Tinnitus: Analysis of Demographic and Audiological Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14091035. [PMID: 28885581 PMCID: PMC5615572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14091035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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.
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