A history of occupational noise exposure is associated with steep-slope audiograms and poorer self-reported hearing-aid outcomes

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of previous occupational noise exposure in older adults with hearing loss on (1) audiometric configuration and acoustic reflex (AR) thresholds and (2) self-reported hearing abilities and hearing aid (HA) effectiveness.DesignA prospective observational study.Study sampleThe study included 1176 adults (>= 60 years) with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometry, AR thresholds, and responses to the abbreviated version of the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) questionnaire were obtained, along with information about previous occupational noise exposure.ResultsGreater occupational noise exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of steeply sloping audiograms in men and women and a 0.32 (95% CI: -0.57; -0.06) scale points lower mean SSQ12 total score among noise-exposed men. AR thresholds did not show a significant relation to noise-exposure status, but hearing thresholds at a given frequency were related to elevated AR thresholds at the same frequency.ConclusionsA noise exposure history is linked to steeper audiograms in older adults with hearing loss as well as to poorer self-reported hearing abilities in noise-exposed men. More attention to older adults with previous noise exposure is warranted in hearing rehabilitation.

Automated summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of previous occupational noise exposure in older adults with hearing loss on audiometric configuration, acoustic reflex thresholds, self-reported hearing abilities, and hearing aid effectiveness. The study found that greater occupational noise exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of steeply sloping audiograms and poorer self-reported hearing abilities. There is also a correlation between hearing thresholds and elevated acoustic reflex thresholds.