27 April 2018

Noise and hearing loss – round-up

This year, International Noise Awareness Day took place on the 25 April, and aimed to raise awareness of noise and its impact on health and wellbeing around the world.

Action on Hearing Loss marked the event by offering advice on ear protection. A new study, meanwhile, revealed the first potential biomarker for noise-induced hearing loss (NIH). Commenting on a potential new biomarker Dr. Kourosh Parham, associate professor and director of research, explained that NIH is a “devastating condition that significantly affects patient’s quality of life," and suggested that the findings presented an opportunity to reduce the impact of NIH in the future.

A 15 minute law podcast published this week discusses musicians and hearing loss. The short feature examines a claim, reported previously by the NCHA, for hearing loss against the Royal Opera House by one of its orchestra members, and covers the hearing hazards of being a musician. The speakers also challenge the assumption that NIH is an occupational hazard that should be accepted by musicians.

JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery published a study in the run up to Noise Awareness Day which looked at the risk factors associated with temporary hearing loss (THL) after attending an outdoor music festival. The study found that the main risk factors associated with THL were non-use of earplugs, use of alcohol and drugs and being male. The small study sample size and methods make it difficult to unpick the detail, however, or generalise the results.