View clinical trials related to Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced.
Filter by:Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-connected disability in the VA. It causes communication difficulties, which contribute to isolation, frustration and depression. A major cause of hearing loss is from exposure to high levels of sound, and is referred to as Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Veterans have inevitably been exposed to high levels of sound during military service, and even though they may not yet have NIHL, their ears have been damaged. Continued noise exposure in civilian life will result in NIHL. However, it can easily be prevented by avoiding noise or using hearing protection. Most people are unaware that noise damages hearing, and even when they are, they do not use hearing protection. In this study we will use a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of two forms of education about NIHL that we have developed for Veterans. One is a computerized program; the other is a Hearing Conservation Brochure
This study measures sounds produced by the sensory receptors of the inner ear called hair cells. These sounds are called otoacoustic emissions and one special case the investigators are studying are called distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) produced by presenting two tones to the ear. If the ear is damaged by noise exposure DPOAEs are reduced. In this study the investigators are attempting to improve the DPOAE test by adding a third tone to make the test more frequency specific. Whether the third tone helps will be determined by comparing DPOAEs collected with and without the third tone to clinical audiograms. If the addition of the third tone helps then the investigators expect DPOAEs tracked as a function of frequency (DP-grams) will more closely match the clinical audiograms.
In 1986 The Medical Research Council estimated that 4 million UK adolescents were at risk of hearing damage from over-exposure to loud music from personal audio players (PAPs), gigs, clubs, pubs and festivals. Since that time social noise exposure is estimated to have tripled to 19% of young people. The European Commission commissioned a report that estimated 5-10% of personal audio player users are risking permanent hearing loss and tinnitus by listening to music at high volumes for more than 1 hour a day for 5 years or more. Up to 246 million PAPs were sold in Europe in 2008, and 200 million mobile phones, many of which now have built-in audio players. Nevertheless, a recent survey showed that only 8% of young people identify hearing loss as a health problem. The Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) undertook two surveys of young people in the UK to analyse listening behaviours as part of their "Don't Lose the Music" campaign. As a consequence they offer listening advice given by flyers at events and online at the dedicated website. There have been no studies to confirm if such advice is effective in reducing noise exposure. Aim: This study will pilot a methodology for a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of a publically-available online video in changing the listening habits of young music lovers i.e. reduce the volume and number of hours of exposure. Hypothesis: A video and adapted sound track demonstrating the experience of noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus accessed online will change the listening habits of 18-25 year-olds.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant clinical, social, and economic issue. Studies in animals have allowed us to identify mechanisms contributing to NIHL, including direct mechanical trauma, free radicals formed in association with metabolic stress, and reduced blood flow. A combination of antioxidant vitamins (beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E) and the mineral magnesium (which acts in part as a vasodilator but also as an antioxidant) is highly effective in preventing NIHL in animals. These studies evaluate efficacy of this intervention in humans. Hypothesis: Treatment with these micronutrients provides safe, effective attenuation of acute hearing changes induced by exposure to real-world sounds producing temporary (non-permanent) or permanent hearing changes induced by exposure to real-world sounds. Experiment 1: "Digital Audio Player" studies (University of Florida, Gainesville). Prevention of *temporary* elevations in hearing thresholds, induced by exposure to moderately loud music, will be measured. Subjects will be 70 young adults with equal numbers of male and female participants. Experiment 2: "Urban warfare" military studies (Karolinska Institutet, Sweden). Prevention of *temporary* elevations in hearing thresholds, induced by automatic gunfire sound inside a concrete bunker, will be measured. Subjects will be 31 adult male or female officers in the Swedish army required to participate in urban combat training regardless of study participation. All subjects are required to wear standard hearing protection during combat exercises.
This study will examine whether oral intake of 1200mg N-Acetylcysteine/day will prevent temporary threshold shift in hearing among workers exposed to noise