Hearing in an ambulance paramedic population

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Audiology
• Environmental Noise

Background:

• Ambulance sirens generate high noise levels, posing a risk to emergency personnel.
• Previous research suggests potential hearing impairment in professions with high noise exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess ambulance cab noise levels during siren use.
• To evaluate the hearing acuity of ambulance paramedics.
• To determine if paramedics experience accelerated hearing loss compared to the general population.

Main Methods:

• Measured noise levels inside ambulance cabs during siren operation.
• Assessed hearing levels of 56 ambulance paramedics.
• Tracked hearing acuity changes in four paramedics over 14 years.

Main Results:

• Ambulance cab noise levels averaged 102.5 dBA, exceeding Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines (90 dBA).
• Paramedics exhibited hearing acuity approximately one standard deviation below the normal mean across various frequencies.
• Paramedics showed a faster rate of hearing acuity loss over 14 years compared to non-exposed individuals.

Conclusions:

• High noise levels in ambulances are sufficient to cause hearing loss.
• Ambulance paramedics demonstrate measurable hearing deficits and accelerated hearing loss.
• Urgent hearing conservation strategies are needed for ambulance personnel.