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Hearing in military personnel
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|April 1, 1979
Summary
Occupational hearing loss affects 26.5% of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) land forces, particularly in Artillery units. Tinnitus and 6,000 Hz frequency loss are common, highlighting the need for hearing conservation programs.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Occupational hearing impairment is a significant hazard in industrial and military settings.
- Prevalence data for hearing impairment within the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) land forces was previously lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of impaired hearing among SAF land forces.
- To identify specific units, affected frequencies, and common symptoms associated with hearing loss.
- To inform the development of a targeted Hearing Conservation Programme.
Main Methods:
- A multistage proportional sampling method was used to select 2,564 subjects.
- Audiometric assessments were conducted to evaluate hearing function.
- Data from 1,521 subjects with normal hearing baselines were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 26.5% (403 subjects) with impaired hearing was found.
- The Artillery branch exhibited the highest incidence of hearing impairment.
- The 6,000 Hz frequency was most commonly affected, with tinnitus being the most frequent symptom.
Conclusions:
- Significant occupational hearing impairment exists within the SAF land forces.
- The findings support the implementation of a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Programme.
- Comparisons with industrial hearing loss in Singapore suggest a need for consistent preventative strategies across sectors.