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Hearing loss associated with weapons noise exposure: when to investigate an asymmetrical loss

Part of: Noise, trauma and the ear

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

H. J. Cox  and
G. R. Ford
H. J. Cox
Affiliation:
Department of OtorhinolaryngologySouthampton University Hospitals NHS Trust. Tremona Road, Southampton, Hants SO9 4XY.
G. R. Ford*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngologyf. West Dorset Hospital. Damers Road, Dorchester. Dorset DT1 2JY.
*
Address for correspondence: Mr G. R. Ford, 10 High Street, Fordington, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1JZ.
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Abstract

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The air conduction thresholds in the right and left ears, and the interaural asymmetry of thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz were measured in a group of 225 soldiers exposed to a variety of weapon noise who were referred for assessment because of a deterioration in hearing on routine testing. At 0.5 and I kHz the threshold levels rarely exceeded 25 dB and the interaural asymmetry was 10 dB or less in 90 per cent of cases. The degree of hearing loss and interaural asymmetry increased as the frequency increased, with the average loss being significantly greater in the left ear at 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz.

Recommendations are made for the selection of cases of asymmetrical hearing loss exposed to weapon noise which require further investigation to exclude a retrocochlear cause or to define spurious hearing threshold levels.

Keywords

Hearing lossnoise inducedHearing losssensorineuralNoise
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 109 , Issue 4 , April 1995 , pp. 291 - 295
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1995

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