Hearing Problems Among the Members of the Defence Forces in Relation to Personal and Occupational Risk Factors

• Published in: Military medicine 2020-12, Vol.185 (11-12), p.e2115-e2123
• Main Authors: Luha, Assar, Kaart, Tanel, Merisalu, Eda, Indermitte, Ene, Orru, Hans
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cross-Sectional Studies; Ears & hearing; Hearing; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - epidemiology; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - etiology; Humans; Noise; Noise, Occupational - adverse effects; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Occupational Diseases - etiology; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Tinnitus; Working conditions
• ISSN: 0026-4075; 1930-613X
• DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa224

Abstract Introduction The Defence Forces’ members are exposed to high-level noise that increases their risk of hearing loss (HL). Besides military noise, the other risk factors include age and gender, ototoxic chemicals, vibration, and chronic stress. The current study was designed to study the effects of personal, work conditions-related risk factors, and other health-related traits on the presence of hearing problems. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study among active military service members was carried out. Altogether, 807 respondents completed a questionnaire about their health and personal and work-related risk factors in indoor and outdoor environments. The statistical analysis was performed using statistical package of social sciences (descriptive statistics) and R (correlation and regression analysis) software. Results Almost half of the active service members reported HL during their service period. The most important risk factors predicting HL in the military appeared to be age, gender, and service duration. Also, working in a noisy environment with exposure to technological, vehicle, and impulse noise shows a statistically significant effect on hearing health. Moreover, we could identify the effect of stress on tinnitus and HL during the service period. Most importantly, active service members not using hearing protectors, tend to have more tinnitus than those who use it. Conclusions The members of the Defence Forces experience noise from various sources, most of it resulting from outdoor activities. Personal and work conditions-related risk factors as well as stress increase the risk of hearing problems.