Air Force Hearing Conservation Program data 1998-2008: a cross-sectional analysis of positive threshold shifts.

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss is an area of concern for military personnel. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of hearing loss in military and civilian personnel enrolled in the Air Force Hearing Conservation Program between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2008.

Methods: The research employed a cross-sectional design. Data stored in the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System-Data Repository was analyzed.

Results: Among military personnel, the logistic regression model demonstrated a protective effect for enlisted members (OR = 0.78, p < 0.0001) and women (OR = 0.63, p < 0.0001) and an increased odds of having a positive threshold shift (PTS) with increasing age group (OR = 1.919, p < 0.001). Among civilians, the logistic regression model demonstrated a protective effect for women (OR = 0.52, p < 0.0001) and increased odds of having a PTS with increasing age group (OR = 1.73, p < 0.001). When compared to military personnel, civilian personnel had increased risk for PTS (RR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.67-1.69).

Conclusions: Increasing age and being male were associated with higher PTS rates. PTS rates were higher in officers than in enlisted military members. When compared to military personnel, civilian personnel were found to have an increased risk for PTS.