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Tinnitus and Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap in Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Samson Jamesdaniel

    (Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
    Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA)

  • Kareem G. Elhage

    (Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA)

  • Rita Rosati

    (Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA)

  • Samiran Ghosh

    (Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA)

  • Bengt Arnetz

    (Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA)

  • James Blessman

    (Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA)

Abstract

Firefighters are susceptible to auditory dysfunction due to long-term exposure to noise from sirens, air horns, equipment, and tools used in forcible entry, ventilation, and extrication. In addition, they are exposed to ototoxic chemicals, particularly, during overhaul operations. Studies indicate that 40% of firefighters have hearing loss in the noise-sensitive frequencies of 4 and 6 kHz. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is often accompanied by tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing noise in the ears. The presence of phantom sounds can adversely affect the performance of firefighters. However, there has been limited research conducted on the prevalence of tinnitus in firefighters. We enrolled firefighters from Michigan, with at least 5 years of continuous service. The hearing handicap inventory for adults (HHIA) was used to determine the difficulty in hearing perceived by the firefighters and the tinnitus functional index (TFI) was used to determine the severity of tinnitus. Self-perceived hearing handicap was reported by 36% of the participants, while tinnitus was reported by 48% of the participants. The TFI survey indicated that 31% perceived tinnitus as a problem. More importantly, self-perceived hearing handicap was significantly associated with the incidence of tinnitus in firefighters, suggesting a potential link between occupational exposure to ototraumatic agents and tinnitus in firefighters.

Suggested Citation

  • Samson Jamesdaniel & Kareem G. Elhage & Rita Rosati & Samiran Ghosh & Bengt Arnetz & James Blessman, 2019. "Tinnitus and Self-Perceived Hearing Handicap in Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-9, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:20:p:3958-:d:277570
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marie-Josée Castellanos & Adrian Fuente, 2016. "The Adverse Effects of Heavy Metals with and without Noise Exposure on the Human Peripheral and Central Auditory System: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-24, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Barbara Millet & Hillary A. Snapp & Suhrud M. Rajguru & Natasha Schaefer Solle, 2023. "Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Perceptions of Hearing Health and Protection among Florida Firefighters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Georgina Burns-O’Connell & David Stockdale & Oscar Cassidy & Victoria Knowles & Derek J. Hoare, 2021. "Surrounded by Sound: The Impact of Tinnitus on Musicians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-16, August.

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