Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effects of previous occupational noise exposure in older adults with hearing loss on (1) audiometric configuration and acoustic reflex (AR) thresholds and (2) self-reported hearing abilities and hearing aid (HA) effectiveness. Design: A prospective observational study. Study sample: The study included 1176 adults (≥60 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometry, AR thresholds, and responses to the abbreviated version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire were obtained, along with information about previous occupational noise exposure. Results: Greater occupational noise exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of steeply sloping audiograms in men and women and a 0.32 (95% CI: −0.57; −0.06) scale points lower mean SSQ12 total score among noise-exposed men. AR thresholds did not show a significant relation to noise-exposure status, but hearing thresholds at a given frequency were related to elevated AR thresholds at the same frequency. Conclusions: A noise exposure history is linked to steeper audiograms in older adults with hearing loss as well as to poorer self-reported hearing abilities in noise-exposed men. More attention to older adults with previous noise exposure is warranted in hearing rehabilitation.
Original language | English |
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Journal | International Journal of Audiology |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 10 |
Pages (from-to) | 772-784 |
ISSN | 1499-2027 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2024 |
Keywords
- Occupational noise exposure
- acoustic reflex threshold
- age-related hearing loss
- audiograms
- hearing-aid outcome
- Noise, Occupational/adverse effects
- Prospective Studies
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Occupational Exposure/adverse effects
- Hearing Aids/statistics & numerical data
- Hearing Loss, Bilateral/rehabilitation
- Male
- Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/etiology
- Reflex, Acoustic
- Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/rehabilitation
- Aged, 80 and over
- Female
- Risk Factors
- Self Report
- Treatment Outcome
- Auditory Threshold
- Hearing
- Correction of Hearing Impairment/instrumentation
- Audiometry, Pure-Tone
- Aged
- Speech Perception