Hearing loss as a risk factor for agricultural injuries.

Am J Ind Med

Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.

Published: October 2005

Background: Previous studies suggested that hearing impairment based on self-report might increase the risk of agricultural injuries. However, self-reported hearing measures may be subject to inaccuracy and subjective perception. We assessed the association of agricultural injuries with hearing loss and other hearing characteristics using measured hearing.

Methods: Study subjects were 150 farmers who participated in the Iowa Certified Safe Farm study. Injury information was collected by telephone interviews at 2-5 month intervals from September 1999 to October 2002. Hearing levels were measured annually using the pure tone audiometry from 1998 to 2002. Adjusted rate ratios of injuries were calculated using the multivariate Poisson regression model.

Results: Hearing loss in the better ear (RR = 1.62), hearing asymmetry (RR = 1.67), and fair/poor self-reported hearing (RR = 1.96) were significantly associated with the risk of agricultural injuries. It is notable that self-reported hearing might be a stronger predictor of injuries than pure tone audiometry (PTA). Exposure to noise elevated the risk of injuries in those farmers with hearing loss or hearing asymmetry. The occasional use of hearing protection was significantly associated with agricultural injuries.

Conclusions: This study adds substantial evidence that hearing loss acts as a risk for agricultural injuries. Prevention of hearing loss and noise exposure may be important in reducing the burden of agricultural injuries.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajim.20214DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

hearing loss
24
agricultural injuries
24
hearing
15
risk agricultural
12
self-reported hearing
12
injuries
9
loss hearing
8
pure tone
8
tone audiometry
8
hearing asymmetry
8

Similar Publications

Deafness is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans and frequently caused by defects in hair cells of the inner ear. Here we demonstrate that in male mice which model recessive non-syndromic deafness (DFNB6), inactivation of Tmie in hair cells disrupts gene expression in the neurons that innervate them. This includes genes regulating axonal pathfinding and synaptogenesis, two processes that are disrupted in the inner ear of the mutant mice.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Psychologically informed practice is a structural framework originating in physiotherapy, that aids clinicians to identify, consider, and address the psychological factors related to chronic conditions and their management. Hearing loss is a chronic condition associated with a variety of psychosocial impacts, and psychological factors are known to heavily influence the engagement, adherence, and success of hearing rehabilitation. This framework could provide a structured method to manage these factors by using evidence-based psychological theory and applications.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Surgery for tumors in the cerebellopontine angle is always a significant challenge due to the densely packed neurovascular structures, the narrow deep location, and the complex relationship between the lesions and surrounding neurovascular structures. Recently, great attention has been given to the neuroendoscope for its exclusive advantages, which have added a new dimension to many classical microscopic surgeries. However, the feasibility and advisability of fully endoscopic neurosurgery for cerebellopontine angle tumors remain to be further evaluated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this report, we describe the first reported case of an oropharyngeal accessory tragus in a 20-year-old female presenting with moderate to severe left-sided conductive hearing loss. This case shares rare developmental anomalies to consider when diagnosing oropharyngeal masses that highlight the intricate embryological development of the head and neck region.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs), including benzodiazepines (BZDs) and Z drugs, are widely prescribed for anxiety and sleep. Therefore, issues of tolerance, dependence and adverse effects are of concern. Recent studies suggested a potential link between BZRAs and hearing problems.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!