Development of an audiological assessment and diagnostic model for high occupational noise exposure

Purpose To explore the diagnostic auditory indicators of high noise exposure and combine them into a diagnostic model of high noise exposure and possible development of hidden hearing loss (HHL).Methods We recruited 101 young adult subjects and divided them according to noise exposure history into high-risk and low-risk groups. All subjects completed demographic characteristic collection (including age, noise exposure, self-reported hearing status, and headset use) and related hearing examination.Results The 8 kHz (P = 0.039) and 10 kHz (P = 0.005) distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes (DPOAE) (DPs) in the high-risk group were lower than those in the low-risk group. The amplitudes of the summating potential (SP) (P = 0.017) and action potential (AP) (P = 0.012) of the electrocochleography (ECochG) in the high-risk group were smaller than those in the low-risk group. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave III amplitude in the high-risk group was higher than that in the low-risk group. When SNR = - 7.5 dB (P = 0.030) and - 5 dB (P = 0.000), the high-risk group had a lower speech discrimination score than that of the low-risk group. The 10 kHz DPOAE DP, ABR wave III amplitude and speech discrimination score under noise with SNR = - 5 dB were combined to construct a combination diagnostic indicator. The area under the ROC curve was 0.804 (95% CI 0.713-0.876), the sensitivity was 80.39%, and the specificity was 68.00%.Conclusions We expect that high noise exposure can be detected early with this combined diagnostic indicator to prevent HHL or sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic auditory indicators of high noise exposure and develop a diagnostic model for high noise exposure and potential development of hidden hearing loss (HHL). The results showed that the DPOAE and ECochG indices were lower in the high noise exposure group, while the ABR and speech discrimination scores were higher. A combination diagnostic indicator, consisting of the 10 kHz DPOAE, ABR wave III amplitude, and speech discrimination score, was constructed and showed high sensitivity and specificity.