Hearing loss among otolaryngologist and healthcare workers: Case control study

Noise-induced hearing loss is a prevalent occupational hazard characterized by gradual, sensorineural hearing impairment, primarily affecting higher frequencies (3-6 kHz) due to prolonged exposure to excessive noise. The severity of hearing impairment is directly linked to sound pressure intensity, frequency, exposure duration, and pattern. Otolaryngologists, among other healthcare specialists, frequently use instruments that surpass safety limits, rendering them more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss. This condition detrimentally impacts communication, performance, healthcare personnel well-being, and patient safety.

This study aims to assess whether otolaryngologists and other operating room staff face a higher risk of hearing loss compared to their peers in non-surgical fields, particularly considering advances in surgical instrumentation.

A case-control study conducted at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Otolaryngology and Audiology departments from June 2021 to December 2023. Comprehensive medical histories, physical measurements, and various audiological tests, including tympanometry, standard pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency pure-tone audiometry, and distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOM), were administered to ensure precise results. The study included 20 otolaryngologists of varying ages and experience levels (n = 20) and a comparison group of 20 apparently healthy non-otolaryngologist medical professionals. Both groups were drawn from the same population and matched for age, socioeconomic factors, and environments. All subjects underwent extensive audiological testing for result accuracy.

The mean age of otolaryngologists was 31 ± 11 years with a balanced gender distribution. In contrast, the mean age of the non-otolaryngologist group was 32 ± 10 years, with a male predominance. Otolaryngologists exhibited higher odds of low-frequency hearing loss. Additionally, most otolaryngologists displayed the absence of DPOM at 8 kHz, 9 kHz, and 10 kHz, whereas in non-otolaryngologists, DPOM was predominantly present.

This study provides objective evidence of varying hearing levels among otolaryngologists and their peers in different specialties. Preventive measures should be implemented to mitigate communication challenges and enhance patient safety.