Hearing in military personnel

Impaired hearing is an occupational hazard prevalent not only in industry but also in the armed forces. A survey to establish its prevalence in the SAF land forces was conducted. A sample of 2,564 subjects obtained through multistage proportional sampling was studied of whom 1,521 "normal" subjects were finally analysed. 403 subjects i.e. 26.5%, showed evidence of impaired hearing. The highest incidence was in the Artillery. The frequency most commonly affected was 6,000 Hz and the commonest presenting symptom was tinnitus. A Hearing Conservation Programme is described. Comparisons with the situations in Singapore's industries are made.