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. 2015 Sep-Oct;17(78):245-52.
doi: 10.4103/1463-1741.165026.

Hearing in young adults. Part II: The effects of recreational noise exposure

Hannah Keppler  1 , Ingeborg Dhooge, Bart Vinck
Affiliations

Hearing in young adults. Part II: The effects of recreational noise exposure

Hannah Keppler et al. Noise Health. 2015 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Great concern arises from recreational noise exposure, which might lead to noise-induced hearing loss in young adults. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of recreational noise exposure on hearing function in young adults. A questionnaire concerning recreational noise exposures and an audiological test battery were completed by 163 subjects (aged 18-30 years). Based on the duration of exposure and self-estimated loudness of various leisure-time activities, the weekly and lifetime equivalent noise exposure were calculated. Subjects were categorized in groups with low, intermediate, and high recreational noise exposure based on these values. Hearing was evaluated using audiometry, transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Mean differences in hearing between groups with low, intermediate, and high recreational noise exposure were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There were no significant differences in hearing thresholds, TEOAE amplitudes, and DPOAE amplitudes between groups with low, intermediate, or high recreational noise exposure. Nevertheless, one-third of our subjects exceeded the weekly equivalent noise exposure for all activities of 75 dBA. Further, the highest equivalent sound pressure levels (SPLs) were calculated for the activities visiting nightclubs or pubs, attending concerts or festivals, and playing in a band or orchestra. Moreover, temporary tinnitus after recreational noise exposure was found in 86% of our subjects. There were no significant differences in hearing between groups with low, intermediate, and high recreational noise exposure. Nevertheless, a long-term assessment of young adults' hearing in relation to recreational noise exposure is needed.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean ± one standard error of hearing thresholds for subjects with (dashed line) and without NITS (solid line)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cumulative distribution (%) of weekly equivalent noise exposure for all activities (dBA)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Hearing thresholds (mean ± one standard error) for subjects categorized in groups with low, intermediate, and high lifetime equivalent noise exposure for all activities
Figure 4
Figure 4
TEOAE amplitudes (mean ± one standard error) between groups with different lifetime equivalent noise exposure for all activities
Figure 5
Figure 5
DPOAE amplitudes (mean ± one standard error) for groups with low, intermediate, and high lifetime equivalent noise exposure for all activities
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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