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Tinnitus and leisure noise
Warwick Williams1, Lyndal Carter1
1a National Acoustic Laboratories , Sydney , Australia.
International Journal of Audiology
|November 17, 2016
Summary
Lifetime noise exposure is linked to tinnitus in young Australians. While hearing tests showed no differences, more noise exposure correlated with frequent tinnitus experiences.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is a common auditory symptom.
- Understanding the factors contributing to tinnitus, particularly in younger populations, is crucial for public health.
- Life-time noise exposure is a suspected, yet not fully quantified, risk factor for tinnitus development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between cumulative life-time noise exposure and the experience of tinnitus in a young Australian population.
- To determine if objective audiometric measures, such as hearing threshold levels (HTL) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), correlate with tinnitus experience.
- To explore self-reported hearing difficulties in relation to tinnitus and noise exposure.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of 1435 young Australians (11-35 years old) participated in the study.
- Audiometric assessments included otoscopy, pure tone air- and bone-conduction HTLs, and OAEs.
- Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, hearing health, loud leisure activities, and noise attitudes.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus was reported by 63% of the sample, with no significant correlation found between tinnitus experience and HTLs or OAE amplitudes.
- A direct correlation was observed between the frequency of tinnitus experience and increasing cumulative life-time noise exposure.
- Individuals experiencing tinnitus were more likely to report perceived hearing deterioration and difficulties in quiet and noisy environments.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus is prevalent in young individuals and is associated with cumulative noise exposure, independent of objective hearing measures.
- Males reported experiencing 'permanent' tinnitus at a significantly higher rate than females.
- Self-reported hearing difficulties are more common among those who experience tinnitus.
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