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Hearing loss in young men: possible aetiological factors
Ulf Rosenhall1, Ilmari Pyykkö, Finn Rasmussen
1Department of Audiology, Karolinska Hospital/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. ulf.rosenhall@ks.se
Noise & Health
|May 22, 2007
Summary
This study analyzed hearing in 450,175 Swedish men, finding slight hearing improvements over time possibly linked to reduced acute otitis media (AOM) effects. Prenatal influenza and pertussis exposure may increase high-frequency hearing loss risk.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Public Health
- Environmental and Prenatal Health
Background:
- Hearing capacity is crucial for military service and overall well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing hearing loss is vital for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential pre- and postnatal risk factors for hearing impairment in a large cohort of Swedish men.
- To examine trends in hearing capacity and associated environmental factors over a 24-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of screening audiograms from 450,175 Swedish men conscripted between 1971 and 1995.
- Comparison of hearing data with pre- and postnatal factors, including acute otitis media (AOM) treatment changes and epidemic disease prevalence.
- Estimation of leisure noise exposure levels during the study period.
Main Results:
- Hearing capacity remained relatively stable, with a slight improvement observed in later age groups.
- Elevated hearing thresholds at 4 and 6 kHz were noted in specific years (1971, 1976, 1992).
- Leisure noise exposure appeared to increase, with no evidence of reduction.
- Changes in AOM treatment may have contributed to improved hearing.
- Prenatal exposure to influenza and pertussis (whooping cough) were identified as potential risk factors for high-frequency hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- While noise exposure levels did not decrease, changes in AOM management might explain slight hearing improvements.
- Prenatal infections like influenza and pertussis represent significant risk factors for developing high-frequency hearing loss.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore ototraumatic influences.
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