The effect of tightened hearing protection regulations on military noise-induced tinnitus.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tightened hearing protection regulations on tinnitus in the Finnish Defence Forces. The initial study group comprised 252 officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs), of which 229 were included in the final study group. Subjective symptoms of tinnitus and audiometric test results for these officers and NCOs examined before retirement, from 1984 to 1986 (Period I), and 2003 to 2005 (Period II), were reviewed.

The effect of improved hearing protection regulations in the prevention of military noise-induced hearing loss.

Conclusion: Hearing protection regulations have improved the hearing test results of soldiers in the Finnish Defense Forces.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of revised regulations regarding usage of hearing protectors of professional soldiers in the Finnish Defense Forces.

Subjects And Methods: The medical records of non-commissioned officers and officers examined at the Central Military Hospital ENT Department from 1984 to 1986 (Period I) and 2003 to 2005 (Period II) were reviewed.