Eye color and noise-induced hearing loss: a population study

Subjects (N = 130) employed in similar noise environments were given standard audiometric threshold evaluations. Their melanin content, as inferred from their eye color, was noted. The hearing thresholds of "dark-eyed," "medium-eyed," and "light-eyed" subjects were subjected to statistical analysis. Analysis of variance revealed mean threshold differences at 4 and 6 kHz. However, no significant mean threshold differences between eye color groups were seen when mean thresholds were adjusted for years of exposure in a covariance design. It is concluded that although there is a modest relationship between eye color (melanin content) and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, this relationship is less apparent in populations exposed to noise levels below 110 dB (re HTL).