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Noise Exposure (noise + exposure)
Selected AbstractsDevelopmental regulation of neuron-specific P2X3 receptor expression in the rat cochleaTHE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2005Lin-Chien Huang Abstract ATP-gated ion channels assembled from P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) subunits contribute to neurotransmission and neurotrophic signaling, associated with neurite development and synaptogenesis, particularly in peripheral sensory neurons. Here, P2X3R expression was characterized in the rat cochlea from embryonic day 16 (E16) to adult (P49,56), using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. P2X3R mRNA was strongly expressed in the cochlea prior to birth, declined to a minimal level at P14, and was absent in adult tissue. P2X3R protein expression was confined to spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) within Rosenthal's canal of the cochlea. At E16, immunolabeling was detected in the SGN neurites, but not the distal neurite projection within the developing sensory epithelium (greater epithelial ridge). From E18, the immunolabeling was observed in the peripheral neurites innervating the inner hair cells but was reduced by P6. However, from P2,8, immunolabeling of the SGN neurites extended to include the outer spiral bundle fiber tract beneath the outer hair cells. This labeling of type II SGN afferent fiber declined after P8. By P14, all synaptic terminal immunolabeling in the organ of Corti was absent, and SGN cell body labeling was minimal. In adult cochlear tissue, P2X3R immunolabeling was not detected. Noise exposure did not induce P2X3R expression in the adult cochlea. These data indicate that ATP-gated ion channels incorporating P2X3R subunit expression are specifically targeted to the afferent terminals just prior to the onset of hearing, and likely contribute to the neurotrophic signaling which establishes functional auditory neurotransmission. J. Comp. Neurol. 484:133,143, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Noise exposures aboard catcher/processor fishing vesselsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 8 2006Richard L. Neitzel MS Abstract Background Commercial fishing workers have extended work shifts and potential for 24 hr exposures to high noise. However, exposures in this industry have not been adequately characterized. Methods Noise exposures aboard two catcher/processors (C/P) were assessed using dosimetry, sound-level mapping, and self-reported activities and hearing protection device (HPD) use. These data were combined to estimate work shift, non-work, and 24 hr overall exposure levels using several metrics. The length of time during which HPDs were worn was also used to calculate the effective protection received by crew members. Results Nearly all workers had work shift and 24 hr noise levels that exceeded the relevant limits. After HPD use was accounted for, half of the 24 hr exposures remained above relevant limits. Non-work-shift noise contributed nothing to 24 hr exposure levels. HPDs reduced the average exposure by about 10 dBA, but not all workers wore them consistently. Conclusions The primary risk of hearing loss aboard the monitored vessels comes from work shift noise. Smaller vessels or vessels with different layouts may present more risk of hearing damage from non-work periods. Additional efforts are needed to increase use of HPDs or implement noise controls. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Physiological costs of the hearing due to noise exposure, additional physical stress, and combined exposure to alcohol and cigarette smokeHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2002H. Strasser In 2 studies, each with 5 test series, physiological costs of the hearing due to legally tolerable noise exposures of 94 dB (A) for 1 hr have been measured audiometrically. The temporary threshold shifts (TTS) and their restitution time, as well as cardiovascular responses in work-related heart rate increases, of 10 and 8 subjects (Ss), respectively, could be shown to be modulated by additional physical stress and combined exposure to alcohol (Study 1) and cigarette smoke (Study 2). Moderate dynamic muscle work (50 W) administered via a bicycle ergometer either immediately after noise, or simultaneous to the noise exposure, significantly reduced restitution time as well as the integrated restitution temporary threshold shift (IRTTS). A physical stress to 100 W,which exceeded the endurance level when demanded simultaneously to the noise exposure,did not show any favorable effects. However, if the same physical stress succeeded the noise exposure, and when it was interrupted several times for the audiometric measurements, it also brought about significant accelerations of the restitution processes. Some reductions in physiological costs of the hearing were found due to an intervening alcohol consumption (blood alcohol concentration , 0.08%) prior to the noise exposure and a simultaneous physical load of 50 W. Smoking 10 cigarettes instead of the consumption of alcohol was associated with a reduced TTS, but a prolonged restitution time. IRTTS as total physiological costs of the most unfavorable combination of noise, simultaneous high physical workload, and preceding smoke exposure was increased. The results of the test series with cigarette smoke,probably due to the small group of just 8 Ss and the counteracting effects of the agents carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine,were not statistically significant, but these exposures were associated with a substantial activation of the cardiovascular system. Significant heart rate increases are evidence that CO and nicotine must not be neglected as influential factors in the context of physiological costs that the organism, and especially the hearing, has to pay for noise exposures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Ototoxicity caused by cisplatin is ameliorated by melatonin and other antioxidantsJOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH, Issue 2 2000Miguel A. Lopez-Gonzalez The mechanism of the ototoxicity caused by cisplatin is based in the generation of reactive oxygen species, which interferes with the antioxidant protection of the organ of Corti. Conversely, the protection of the cochlea with antioxidants ameliorates the ototoxicity by cisplatin. The ototoxicity produced by cisplatin can be reversible or persistent, depending on the age of the patient, cumulative doses, number of chemotherapy cycles, history of noise exposure, and deteriorating renal function. We have obtained in rats an ototoxic chart utilizing cisplatin (10 mg/kg body weight injected intraperitoneally, once only). Together with this treatment, the animals were treated with melatonin in the drinking water (10 mg/L) or injected subcutaneously (250 ,g), and with an antioxidant mixture, injected subcutaneously, composed of 0.25 mg alpha-tocopherol acid succinate, 3 mg ascorbic acid, 1 mg glutathione, and 60 mg N-acetylcysteine. The distortion product otoacoustic emissions were determined for a prolonged period of time for each animal. The ototoxicity produced by cisplatin was maximal from days 7 to 10 post-treatment, returning to normal values in a month. When melatonin and the antioxidant mixture were present, the recovery was between days 10 and 15 post-treatment, independent of the means of administration of the pineal product. We conclude that the ototoxicity caused by cisplatin is ameliorated by melatonin and other antioxidants. [source] Loud noise enhances nigrostriatal dopamine toxicity induced by MDMA in miceMICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 4 2004Marco Gesi Abstract The neurotoxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) has been intensely investigated due to the widespread abuse of this drug and its neurotoxic effects. In mice, MDMA neurotoxicity has been demonstrated for striatal dopamine (DA) terminals. However, the current literature has reported great variability in the effects induced by MDMA; this is partially due to changes in environmental conditions. For instance, elevated temperature and a crowded noisy environment markedly increase the neurotoxic effects induced by MDMA. The environmental factor loud noise is often present during ecstasy intake; however, only a few studies have analysed the consequence of a concomitant exposure to loud noise and ecstasy intake. In the present experimental work, we investigated whether nigrostriatal DA toxicity occurring after MDMA administration was potentiated in the presence of loud noise (100 dBA). We administered MDMA to C57/Black mice using a "binging" pattern for two durations of white noise exposure. We found a marked enhancement of MDMA toxicity (7.5 mg/Kg ×4, 2 hours apart, i.p.) in the presence of white noise exposure lasting for at least 6 hours. The striatal damage was assessed by assaying DA levels as well as the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the increase in striatal glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemistry. Since loud noise often accompanies ecstasy intake, the present findings call for more in-depth studies aimed at disclosing the fine mechanisms underlying this enhancement. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:297,303, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Hearing problems among a cohort of nationally certified EMS professionalsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010Antonio R. Fernandez MS, NREMT-P Abstract Purpose The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hearing problems among a national cohort of emergency medical service (EMS) professionals, determine factors associated with hearing problems, and estimate the percentage of EMS professionals who utilize hearing protection. Methods Utilizing results from a questionnaire, individuals who reported hearing problems were compared to individuals who had not. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with hearing problems. Finally, items regarding use of hearing protection were assessed to estimate the percentage of usage among EMS professionals. Results In total, 1,058 (57%) participants responded to the questionnaire. Of those, 1,024 (97%) who completed the hearing problems question were utilized for analysis. There were 153 (14.9%) cases of self-reported hearing problems. The final logistic regression model included lifetime occupational noise exposure 0.99 (95% CI,=,0.9997,1.0002), report of previous back problems (odds ratio (OR),=,2.74, 95% CI,=,1.8340,4.1042), large community size (OR,=,1.67, 95% CI,=,1.1211,2.4843), and minority status (OR,=,0.61, 95% CI,=,0.3719,0.9867). Finally, 213 (20.8%) individuals reported utilizing some form of hearing protection at their main EMS job. Conclusion The results from this analysis are the first national estimates of the prevalence of self reported hearing problems among EMS professionals. This study was also the first to estimate the percentage of EMS professionals who self reported the utilization of hearing protection. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:264,275, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cohort study for the effect of chronic noise exposure on blood pressure among male workers in Busan, KoreaAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009Ji Ho Lee MD Abstract Objective It has not yet been established whether exposure to chronic noise induces an increase in blood pressure or an increase in the development of hypertension. Therefore, a cohort study was performed to identify the effects of chronic noise exposure on blood pressure. Methods Five hundred thirty male workers at a metal manufacturing factory in Busan, Korea, were enrolled in the study. They were monitored with an annual health check-ups for nine consecutive years from 1991 to 1999. The subjects were divided into four groups which were determined by noise level categories (NLCs) according to the exposure of noise intensity; NLC-I: office workers who were exposed to <60 dBA at work; NLC-II: worksite technical supporters or inspectors who were intermittently exposed to noise and were not using hearing protection devices; NLC-III: worksite workers exposed to a noise below 85 dBA (TWA) and used one type of hearing protection device, earplug or earmuff; NLC-IV: worksite workers who were exposed to a noise level of 85 dBA or higher in average and used both earplug and earmuff. Results After controlling the possible confounders, such as baseline age, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise, family history of hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP), or diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and changes in body mass index (BMI), we determined that the mean values for the SBP over the duration of this study were 3.8, 2.0, and 1.7 mmHg higher in groups NLC-IV, NLC-III, and NLC-II, respectively, in comparison to that of the NLC-I group. There was no significant difference in DBP among the groups. Conclusion This study suggests that chronic noise exposure increases SBP independently, among male workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:509,517, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Exposure to hazardous workplace noise and use of hearing protection devices among US workers,NHANES, 1999,2004,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009SangWoo Tak ScD Abstract Background To estimate the prevalence of workplace noise exposure and use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) at noisy work, NIOSH analyzed 1999,2004 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods A total of 9,275 currently employed workers aged ,16 years were included in the weighted analysis. Hazardous workplace noise exposure was defined as self-reported exposure to noise at their current job that was so loud that the respondent had to speak in a raised voice to be heard. Industry and occupation were determined based on the respondent's current place and type of work. Results Twenty-two million US workers (17%) reported exposure to hazardous workplace noise. The weighted prevalence of workplace noise exposure was highest for mining (76%, SE,=,7.0) followed by lumber/wood product manufacturing (55%, SE,=,2.5). High-risk occupations included repair and maintenance, motor vehicle operators, and construction trades. Overall, 34% of the estimated 22 million US workers reporting hazardous workplace exposure reported non-use of HPDs. The proportion of noise-exposed workers who reported non-use of HPDs was highest for healthcare and social services (73.7%, SE,=,8.1), followed by educational services (55.5%). Discussion Hearing loss prevention and intervention programs should be targeted at those industries and occupations identified to have a high prevalence of workplace noise exposure and those industries with the highest proportion of noise-exposed workers who reported non-use of HPDs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:358,371, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predictors of hearing loss in New York farmersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Syni-An Hwang PhD Abstract Background Data from the telephone interview portion of the New York Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance were used to study self-reported hearing loss in New York farmers. Methods One thousand six hundred and twenty-two persons completed the hearing loss and noise exposure interview. Hearing loss was defined as at least some trouble hearing in one or both ears. Predictors of hearing loss were determined using logistic regression. Results Twenty-two percent of participants reported hearing loss. From the logistic regression, significant confounders are age (P,=,0.0001), gender (P,=,0.0001), being from a livestock farm (P,=,0.012), and loss of consciousness due to head trauma (P,=,0.04). Significant noise exposures are more hours of lifetime exposure to noisy farm equipment (P,=,0.001) and having had a noisy non-farm job (with some hearing protection P,=,0.002, without any hearing protection P,=,0.0001). Conclusions Farm noise exposure is a serious risk to the hearing of this population. Although use of hearing protection should be encouraged, replacing and modifying farm equipment to decrease noise at the source should be the first priority. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:23,31, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Endothelin-1 gene polymorphism and hearing impairment in elderly JapaneseTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2009Yasue Uchida MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To investigate the association between the Lys198Asn (G/T) polymorphism (rs5370) in the endothelin-1 gene (EDN1) and hearing impairment in middle-aged and elderly Japanese. Study Design: Longitudinal study. Methods: Data were collected from community-dwelling Japanese adults who participated in the Longitudinal Study of Aging biennially between 1997 and 2006. The participants at baseline were 2,231 adults aged 40 years to 79 years. An average hearing threshold level of 25 dB or better in the better ear for frequencies 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz was defined as no hearing impairment. Using generalized estimating equations to treat repeated observations within subjects, 7,097 cumulative data were analyzed to assess the association between hearing status and the EDN1 G/T polymorphism with adjustment for age, sex, histories of ear disease, occupational noise exposure, heart disease, hypertension, and body mass index under additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Results: Comparison with wild-type homozygotes (GG), heterozygotes, and mutant homozygotes (GT/TT) showed a positive association with hearing impairment after adjustment for age in model 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02,1.50; P = .033), for age and sex in model 2 (OR = 1.29; CI = 1.06,1.57; P = .0122), and for age, sex, history of ear disease, and history of occupational noise exposure in model 3 (OR = 1.31; CI = 1.07,1.60; P = .0092). The association was also significant in model 3 under the additive model. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that mutant T-allele carriers were associated with a higher risk of hearing impairment than carriers of wild-type homozygotes in middle-aged and elderly people. This result implies that endothelin-1 plays a valuable role in the cochlea. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source] Chronologic Changes of Nitric Oxide Concentration in the Cochlear Lateral Wall and Its Role in Noise-Induced Permanent Threshold ShiftTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2008Yuh-Shyang Chen MD Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the chronologic changes of nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the cochlear lateral wall and to explore its possible role in permanent threshold shift (PTS) after intense noise exposure. Materials and Methods: Seventeen guinea pigs were subjected to a single continuous exposure to broadband white noise at 105 ± 2 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 40 hours and were divided into four groups according to various postnoise recovery periods. Another 12 guinea pigs were not exposed to noise and served as controls. The hearing status of all animals was evaluated with auditory brainstem responses (ABR) evoked by condensation "click" sounds. ABR were recorded both prior to noise exposure and immediately before killing the animal. After death, NO concentration in the cochlear lateral wall was directly measured with an NO/ozone chemiluminescence technique. Results: An approximately 1.7-fold increase in NO concentration was observed immediately postnoise exposure, which persisted for up to 28 days. The threshold of ABR elevation (mean, 30 dB SPL) peaked immediately after cessation of noise exposure and gradually resolved to a PTS (mean, 14.5 dB SPL) 56 days after noise exposure when NO concentration had returned to its prenoise exposure level. Conclusion: Noise-induced threshold shift, which resolved to a mild PTS, can be partially attributed to NO elevation in the cochlear lateral wall. Our results revealed a nonlinear correlation between ABR recovery and depletion of NO, indicating that the mechanisms of NO changes in the cochlear lateral wall may be more complicated than previously conceived and that other pathophysiologic mechanisms may also play important roles in noise-induced PTS. [source] Hearing Loss in Union Army Veterans from 1862 to 1920,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2004Ryan K. Sewell MD Abstract Objectives: To examine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in Union Army (UA) veterans by year, birth cohort, and occupation, and to compare Civil War pension and contemporary disability programs by examining monthly dollar awards. Study Design: A retrospective review of medical records for 17,722 UA veteran pension applicants, a subset of some 35,000 soldiers retrieved randomly from the Military Archives. Methods: The diagnosis of HL was based on review of medical records, which used gross measurements because of the unavailability of audiometric testing. Results: One third (5,891 or 33%) of pensioners sampled received compensation for HL. The veterans with HL suffered predominantly from left-sided HL (4,091 or 70%), which is consistent with noise-induced HL in a right-handed individual firing a rifle. Comparison of civilian occupations reveals minimal variation in prevalence of HL. Civil War pensions for unilateral HL averaged $134.04 per year, representing nearly one third of the average annual income in 1890. Bilateral HL received nearly twice that amount. Today, military veterans receive $1,248 annually for unilateral loss and $27,288 annually for bilateral loss. Social Security disability benefits are granted only for bilateral HL, with an average 60-year-old individual receiving $11,400 per year. Conclusion: HL was a common disability among UA Civil War veterans, with noise exposure a likely etiology for the HL. The differing levels of compensation for HL may reflect differing perceptions on the incapacitating effects of HL. [source] Enhancing Intrinsic Cochlear Stress Defenses to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss,,§THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2002Richard D. Kopke COL MC USA Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis Oxidative stress plays a substantial role in the genesis of noise-induced cochlear injury that causes permanent hearing loss. We present the results of three different approaches to enhance intrinsic cochlear defense mechanisms against oxidative stress. This article explores, through the following set of hypotheses, some of the postulated causes of noise-induced cochlear oxidative stress (NICOS) and how noise-induced cochlear damage may be reduced pharmacologically. 1) NICOS is in part related to defects in mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis. Therefore, NICOS can be reduced by acetyl-L carnitine (ALCAR), an endogenous mitochondrial membrane compound that helps maintain mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis in the face of oxidative stress. 2) A contributing factor in NICOS injury is glutamate excitotoxicity, which can be reduced by antagonizing the action of cochlear N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors using carbamathione, which acts as a glutamate antagonist. 3) Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) may be characterized as a cochlear-reduced glutathione (GSH) deficiency state; therefore, strategies to enhance cochlear GSH levels may reduce noise-induced cochlear injury. The objective of this study was to document the reduction in noise-induced hearing and hair cell loss, following application of ALCAR, carbamathione, and a GSH repletion drug D-methionine (MET), to a model of noise-induced hearing loss. Study Design This was a prospective, blinded observer study using the above-listed agents as modulators of the noise-induced cochlear injury response in the species chinchilla laniger. Methods Adult chinchilla laniger had baseline-hearing thresholds determined by auditory brainstem response (ABR) recording. The animals then received injections of saline or saline plus active experimental compound starting before and continuing after a 6-hour 105 dB SPL continuous 4-kHz octave band noise exposure. ABRs were obtained immediately after noise exposure and weekly for 3 weeks. After euthanization, cochlear hair cell counts were obtained and analyzed. Results ALCAR administration reduced noise-induced threshold shifts. Three weeks after noise exposure, no threshold shift at 2 to 4 kHz and <10 dB threshold shifts were seen at 6 to 8 kHz in ALCAR-treated animals compared with 30 to 35 dB in control animals. ALCAR treatment reduced both inner and outer hair cell loss. OHC loss averaged <10% for the 4- to 10-kHz region in ALCAR-treated animals and 60% in saline-injected-noise-exposed control animals. Noise-induced threshold shifts were also reduced in carbamathione-treated animals. At 3 weeks, threshold shifts averaged 15 dB or less at all frequencies in treated animals and 30 to 35 dB in control animals. Averaged OHC losses were 30% to 40% in carbamathione-treated animals and 60% in control animals. IHC losses were 5% in the 4- to 10-kHz region in treated animals and 10% to 20% in control animals. MET administration reduced noise-induced threshold shifts. ANOVA revealed a significant difference (P <.001). Mean OHC and IHC losses were also significantly reduced (P <.001). Conclusions These data lend further support to the growing body of evidence that oxidative stress, generated in part by glutamate excitotoxicity, impaired mitochondrial function and GSH depletion causes cochlear injury induced by noise. Enhancing the cellular oxidative stress defense pathways in the cochlea eliminates noise-induced cochlear injury. The data also suggest strategies for therapeutic intervention to reduce NIHL clinically. [source] Untersuchung zur Lärmbelastung von Patienten und Pflegepersonal auf IntensivstationenBAUPHYSIK, Issue 4 2007Jörg Arnold Dipl.-Ing. Zur Untersuchung der Lärmbelastung auf Intensivstationen in Krankenhäusern wurden Schalldruckpegelmessungen sowohl in einem Patientenzimmer als auch in dem Foyer einer Intensivstation durchgeführt. Im Patientenzimmer wird eine hohe Lärmbelastung festgestellt. Zudem belegen die Messergebnisse, dass in jeder untersuchten Stunde Lärmereignisse auftraten, die leicht zum Aufwachen führen. Diese hohe Lärmdichte hat einen dramatischen Einfluss auf den Schlaf und damit auf die Erholung und Gesundung des Patienten. Es wurde eine für gesunde Patienten "sichere Aufwachschwelle" definiert, die auch in der Nacht im Mittel 5 mal je Stunde überschritten wird. Allerdings existieren in Deutschland bisher keine Grenzwerte zur Beurteilung der Lärmeinwirkung auf Patienten. Im Foyer ist in jeder untersuchten Schicht die geistige Arbeit des Pflegepersonals nach den Vorgaben der Richtlinie VDI 2058 deutlich beeinträchtigt und die zulässige Grenze für überwiegend mechanisierte Tätigkeiten wird fast erreicht. Nach dem aktuellen Arbeitsrecht sind allerdings alle Vorgaben eingehalten, da lediglich ein Grenzwert zum Schutz vor Lärmschwerhörigkeit angegeben wird. Das Ausmaß des Lärms und der dadurch verursachte Stress, sowohl für Patienten als auch für das Pflegepersonal, zeigen den dringenden Bedarf nach gesetzlichen Regelungen auch in Deutschland. Investigations on noise nuisance of patients and nursing staff. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure to noise in intensive care units. Therefore, sound pressure level measurements have been carried out in both the sickroom and the ward corridor. A high noise exposure in the sickroom was found. In addition the measurement results proves that sleep disturbing noise is occurring at all hours. This high noise density has a dramatic impact on the patients' convalescence and recovery process. One for healthy patients "certain wake-up threshold" was defined, which is exceeded 5 times per hour also in the night. There is no regulation by the German law regarding the patients' exposure to noise in hospitals. While in the ward corridor the intellectual work of the nursing staff according to VDI 2058 is disturbed significantly in every shift investigated, the permissible guideline limit for mechanical works in this specific working environment is almost achieved. But the guidelines of the current labour law are always complied with, because there is only one limit for protection against noise induced hearing loss. The magnitude of noise and stress caused thereby, for both the patients and the nursing staff, show the urgent need of specific regulations by German law. [source] Physiological costs of the hearing due to noise exposure, additional physical stress, and combined exposure to alcohol and cigarette smokeHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2002H. Strasser In 2 studies, each with 5 test series, physiological costs of the hearing due to legally tolerable noise exposures of 94 dB (A) for 1 hr have been measured audiometrically. The temporary threshold shifts (TTS) and their restitution time, as well as cardiovascular responses in work-related heart rate increases, of 10 and 8 subjects (Ss), respectively, could be shown to be modulated by additional physical stress and combined exposure to alcohol (Study 1) and cigarette smoke (Study 2). Moderate dynamic muscle work (50 W) administered via a bicycle ergometer either immediately after noise, or simultaneous to the noise exposure, significantly reduced restitution time as well as the integrated restitution temporary threshold shift (IRTTS). A physical stress to 100 W,which exceeded the endurance level when demanded simultaneously to the noise exposure,did not show any favorable effects. However, if the same physical stress succeeded the noise exposure, and when it was interrupted several times for the audiometric measurements, it also brought about significant accelerations of the restitution processes. Some reductions in physiological costs of the hearing were found due to an intervening alcohol consumption (blood alcohol concentration , 0.08%) prior to the noise exposure and a simultaneous physical load of 50 W. Smoking 10 cigarettes instead of the consumption of alcohol was associated with a reduced TTS, but a prolonged restitution time. IRTTS as total physiological costs of the most unfavorable combination of noise, simultaneous high physical workload, and preceding smoke exposure was increased. The results of the test series with cigarette smoke,probably due to the small group of just 8 Ss and the counteracting effects of the agents carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine,were not statistically significant, but these exposures were associated with a substantial activation of the cardiovascular system. Significant heart rate increases are evidence that CO and nicotine must not be neglected as influential factors in the context of physiological costs that the organism, and especially the hearing, has to pay for noise exposures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Teen workers' exposures to occupational hazards and use of personal protective equipmentAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2008Carol W. Runyan MPH Abstract Background Prior research indicates that working adolescents seek care for the toxic effects of on-the-job chemical and environmental hazard exposures. Methods This cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 866 adolescent workers in the retail and service sector examines their exposures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and training. Results Two-thirds of respondents were exposed to continuous, very loud noise, 55% to thermal hazards and 54% to chemical hazards. Few teens reported using any PPE, though those who had been trained reported somewhat higher usage. Conclusions Teens working in the retail and service sectors experience a variety of chemical, thermal, biologic and noise exposures. Efforts to eradicate such exposures need to be complemented by increased provision of PPE and appropriate training in their use by employers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:735,740, 2008. Published 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Predictors of hearing loss in New York farmersAMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2001Syni-An Hwang PhD Abstract Background Data from the telephone interview portion of the New York Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance were used to study self-reported hearing loss in New York farmers. Methods One thousand six hundred and twenty-two persons completed the hearing loss and noise exposure interview. Hearing loss was defined as at least some trouble hearing in one or both ears. Predictors of hearing loss were determined using logistic regression. Results Twenty-two percent of participants reported hearing loss. From the logistic regression, significant confounders are age (P,=,0.0001), gender (P,=,0.0001), being from a livestock farm (P,=,0.012), and loss of consciousness due to head trauma (P,=,0.04). Significant noise exposures are more hours of lifetime exposure to noisy farm equipment (P,=,0.001) and having had a noisy non-farm job (with some hearing protection P,=,0.002, without any hearing protection P,=,0.0001). Conclusions Farm noise exposure is a serious risk to the hearing of this population. Although use of hearing protection should be encouraged, replacing and modifying farm equipment to decrease noise at the source should be the first priority. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:23,31, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||