International Journal of Speech and Audiology
2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A
Audiometric patterns in early vs. late-onset noise-induced hearing loss among industrial workers
Author(s): Emily Roberts, Michael Johnson, Sarah Thompson and David White
Abstract: Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a prevalent and preventable condition that affects millions of workers worldwide, particularly in industrial settings. While noise exposure is recognized as the primary risk factor, the onset and progression of NIHL vary significantly among individuals, with some workers developing hearing loss early in their careers (early-onset), while others experience delayed onset (late-onset). This study investigated the audiometric patterns and progression of early- and late-onset NIHL in industrial workers. With a focus on comparing the depth of the audiometric notch, the rate of threshold shift, and speech recognition ability between the two groups. The study also sought to examine the relationship between cumulative noise exposure (CNE) and the timing of NIHL onset. A retrospective cohort design was employed, utilizing data from the occupational health surveillance database of a large multi-site manufacturing company. The study included 354 workers with a documented diagnosis of occupational NIHL, stratified into early-onset (n=148) and late-onset (n=206) groups based on the timing of hearing loss onset. Audiometric variables such as the depth and frequency of the notch at 4000 Hz, rate of threshold shift, and Words-in-Noise (WIN) test scores were compared between the two groups. Results indicated that the early-onset group exhibited significantly deeper audiometric notches, faster progression of hearing loss, and poorer speech recognition abilities compared to the late-onset group, despite similar cumulative noise exposure levels. The findings suggest that early-onset NIHL is associated with more severe audiometric patterns and a faster disease progression, emphasizing the need for individualized monitoring and intervention in occupational health programs to better address high-risk workers.
DOI: 10.22271/27103846.2025.v6.i2a.87
Pages: 62-66 | Views: 158 | Downloads: 63
Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Emily Roberts, Michael Johnson, Sarah Thompson and David White. Audiometric patterns in early vs. late-onset noise-induced hearing loss among industrial workers. International Journal of Speech and Audiology. 2025; 6(2): 62-66. DOI: 10.22271/27103846.2025.v6.i2a.87
Other Journals